Powell handed in her notice just before Christmas and there was immediately speculation that she would be teaming up with her old boss, Close co-founder Murray Booker, who left the business four months ago.
Powell is currently working her notice and would only say that she was "looking forward to exciting opportunities in 2005". Booker is still on gardening leave and felt unable to comment because of his contractual commitments.
Mike Barley, chief executive of Close's asset finance division, played down the impact of the latest resignation and rebuffed queries about the future of the business: "There is no question of a pull-out from print," he stated. "We have a long-standing presence in the market with strong relationships with the likes of Heidelberg.
"After Mary's departure it is unlikely there will be any major changes. She is a high-profile figure but print is one of 10 industries we cover," he added.
Barley intends to recruit a replacement for Powell. Booker's former role remains unfilled.
Close is Heidelberg's preferred finance partner and is estimated to control around 300m of receivables in the print sector.
Heidelberg sales director Jim Todd said: "Close has a very strong team in the field. Provided they can get the right quality of replacement this resignation should, in effect, be just a blip."
Story by Philip Chadwick and Jo Francis
