Thompson, who has acted as deputy MD since September 2022, has worked at Antalis for over nine years, leading both sales and supply chain functions within the business.

Outgoing MD Hunter was appointed to the post in 2012: during his tenure, he navigated Antalis through a number of acquisitions, including its purchase of a number of Arjowiggins brands in late 2022.

Thompson said he would be pleased to build on the work of his predecessor: “It is a great honour to be leading the team at Antalis, and to take over from David who has professionally overseen the many changes that the company has undertaken over the last eleven years.

“I intend to lead Antalis through the next phase of evolution, including strengthening its Papers division and accelerating the growth in Packaging and Visual Communications.”

Hunter’s leadership saw him guide the paper supplier through its protracted acquisition by the Japanese KPP Group in 2020 and Covid pandemic, too, with one of Hunter’s priorities being the drive of a profound health and safety culture throughout the business.

More recently, it also completed a major IT transformation.

Thompson added: “We will be building on all the good work that has taken place recently including the development of Antalis’ sustainability strategy and environmental solutions that help our customers to achieve their own sustainability goals.

“Other top priorities for the business will be driving digital transformation and maintaining the company’s priority on health, safety and wellbeing.”