Sports photo agency Empics has signed a new name to the team.

The major player is former Press Association chief executive Robert Simpson, who has been appointed chairman of the agency.

Empics managing director Phil O'Brien said: "This is a tremendous coup for us. Robert has an incredible business pedigree and brings with him a vast amount of skill and experience in the media business - particularly new media and online information systems.

"He has the reputation of being a true industry visionary and his skills will be invaluable in helping us move our business forward rapidly."

Robert himself added: "Empics has a very invigorating 'we try harder' approach.

"It is a company that shows no fear when it comes to exploiting the latest digital technology.

"I think the agency is at a very interesting stage of development - and I sense there is a very close match with Empics' ambitions and my own skill sets."

One of his roles will be to help the Empics board devise new strategies for ongoing international expansion - particularly through its 380,000-strong online image database, ESP - Empics Sports Photolibrary.

In the last two years the company has experienced year on year growth of 30 per cent in its conventional professional licensing business.

There is also a digital infrastructure able to supply pictures to a wider audience in partnership with football clubs and other sports bodies.

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