Hess is the first, and so far only, Creo employee whose role at Kodak has been announced.

Creo chief executive Amos Michelson and chief financial officer Mark Dance will leave the firm once the deal is completed. Founder and chief technology officer Dan Gelbart will move to Kodak.

A Kodak spokesman said: "Our plan is to retain the best and brightest. At this stage we've named one, but that doesn't mean others won't join too."

Her full job title will be general manager and vice president of workflow and pre-press at the Graphic Solutions and Services (GS&S) unit of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group (GCG). She will report to Jeff Jacobson.

Kodak has also revealed other senior members of Jacobson's team at GS&S.

KPG president of the Americas Andrew Copley becomes managing director and vice president of global sales and operations.

Copley will be responsible for putting together the regional sales structure, including the UK and Europe. Kodak said that this had yet to be finalised.

Story by Barney Cox