Michael Wombacher, who worked for Chinese company Reis Robotics as vice president and general manager until January, replaced Rall last month.

Wombacher has taken the top job at Hofheim, Germany-based finishing equipment manufacturer Polar to oversee group operations, including its subsidiary Dienst Packsystems.

He said: "I am looking forward to the exciting challenge. I would like to further develop the Polar Group together with our employees. Our customers can look forward to many more innovative post-press solutions.

“We would like to thank Dr. Rall for his many years of commitment. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Wombacher follows on from Rall’s near-eight year stint at the head of Polar. Rall had previously held a variety of roles at Manroland.

Previously, Polar’s key client Heidelberg announced an “action package” of “painful changes” that would see the manufacturer streamline and cut up to 2,000 jobs. How this might affect its relationship to Polar is yet to be seen.