The appointment comes as part of the AIM-listed company's operational review, which was announced in its financial results this April.
Ward will be expected to help restore profitability at the company, which was hit hard by technology problems at its UK operations during a turbulent 2007.
Lionel Thain, IPT's chief executive, expressed confidence in Ward's ability: "The extensive knowledge and experience that he brings will be vital for the group in the months ahead. He has an impressive track record in restructuring and driving businesses forward."
Ward has held consulting roles for 3i and Deutsche Bank. Much of his recent career has been spend as a company ‘turnaround' specialist.
IPT recently announced that it is no longer involved in takeover talks with potential buyers. Newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror was rumoured to have expressed interest in the group but any plans were later abandoned.
IPT declined to comment further.
.jpg)
.jpg)