Pavloskys position is unclear and he would not comment on speculation that he had parted company with the group.

Last October he was named as chairman of the Polestar / Grupo Prisa joint venture in Spain and is also vice president of the BPIFs board of directors.

He joined the group in February 2000 from the brewing industry and was widely tipped to become chief executive following the departures of Tony Rudston and Jim Brown. In the event, Hibbert was given the job in the summer of 2001.

Polestar has confirmed that group commercial director Bob Caley will leave the firm at the end of the month.

Caleys responsibilities will be absorbed into group purchasing director Chris Barkers role.

Hibbert was unavailable for comment.

Other directors are also thought to be affected by the changes, but this is unconfirmed as yet.

Check printweek.com for updates as more details become available on this story.