Clark is the second managing director to resign from the post within a year; his appointment followed the resignation of Andrew Jones, who joined from the automotive industry, and who left last October after eight weeks.
Clark joined the 110m superplant in April, at which time he described the job as "a heady mix of opportunity and challenge". Previously he was managing director of Poole-based web printer Southernprint.
"I'm extremely proud of the things I achieved during my time at Sheffield," he said. "There's a great team of people there and I'm sure they will look after the customers very well and the plant will go from strength to strength."
He couldn't go into details of the reasons for his departure, but said: "There are a lot of things that, due to commercial confidentiality, I can't really go into, but it's never ever one thing."
The Sheffield post was Clark's second high-profile role within Polestar. Prior to his Southernprint role he was managing director of the group's Varnicoat site.
Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert said: "The direction and management of this plant is key within the group, and we were delighted to attract someone of Clark's calibre and experience."
"However, I appreciate the role has not completely met his aspirations. Clark has overseen the commissioning of the first equipment, which has gone extremely well, but now wishes to explore other career options," he added.
Clark said he has no firm career plans at the moment. "But I'm hoping to stay in the industry and find other opportunities."
He is believed to be covered by a six-month non compete agreement.
Customer service director David Yendole has been appointed acting managing director of Sheffield.
Sheffield timeline
- June 2004 Sheffield granted full planning permission
- August 2004 Andrew Jones is appointed to head up the site
- October 2004 Jones resigns
- January 2005 Clark appointed
- April 2005 Clark takes the helm; Sheffield hits ink-on-paper target
- May 2005 Second Cerutti goes live
- July 2005 Third Cerutti commissioned
- October 2005 Clark quits
Clark leaves Polestar Sheffield after seven months service
Stephen Clark (pictured) has resigned as managing director of Polestar Sheffield, seven months after joining to head up the groups gravure superplant.
