A top executive at Redditchbased GKN is turning "postman".

Ian Griffiths, group managing director of GKN Automotive, has been appointed to the new post of managing director of the Royal Mail's letters business, it was announced yesterday.

The move has prompted a major management shake-up at GKN.

Mr Griffiths will have daytoday responsibility for the delivery of Royal Mail's annual postbag of more than 20 billion letters.

Adam Crozier, chief executive of Royal Mail, said: "Ian's track record in the global automotive parts industry is outstanding.

"He is arriving at Royal Mail with an impressive background in managing large workforces to deliver excellent service for customers.

"With the mail market opening to full competition in just over a month's time, Ian will be a real asset for Royal Mail as we seek to sharpen our competitive edge."

As part of the shake-up, Nigel Stein, finance director of GKN, will, in addition to his existing role, assume responsibility for corporate development.

That means the departure of Richard Clowes, currently group managing director of corporate development. He goes on December 31.

Marcus Bryson, chief executive, Aerospace Propulsion Systems and Special Products Division, will take control of the aerospace businesses.

Promoted to the executive team are Mr Bryson; Arthur Connelly, chief executive, GKN Driveline Driveshafts; Grey Denham, group secretary; Simon Pryce, chief executive, GKN Diversified Businesses Group; Andrew Reynolds Smith, chief executive, GKN Sinter Metals; and Martyn Vaughan, chief executive, GKN OffHighway.

They join group chief executive Kevin Smith, Mr Stein and Maureen Constantine, human resources director.

Mr Smith will now relinquish his day-to-day operational responsibility for aerospace.