PrintWeek tipped Clark for the role last November and can now confirm that he has resigned from his post as managing director of Southernprint in order to take up the Sheffield role.

Clark described the job as "a heady mix of opportunity and challenge". "It's the sort of opportunity that doesn't come along very often and also an incredible challenge," he said. "I will also be involved in the creation of a culture rather than the changing of one, which is a compelling prospect."

Clark is a former managing director of Varnicoat so is familiar with the technology and issues attached to the gravure process. He quit Polestar in 2000 but returned to the industry in 2001 when he succeeded Chris Smith at Southernprint.

Polestar group human resources director Catherine Hearn said: "Stephen was one of a number of candidates we approached.  With his extensive industry experience, especially in gravure, he soon became our number one choice and we are delighted to welcome him back to the group."

Polestar initially appointed industry outsider Andrew Jones to the role, but he quit after just eight weeks.

See earlier stories: Polestar nears decision on gravure MD, Polestar's Jones in rapid exit.

Story by Jo Francis