Ashworth, who joined the company through its acquisition of BlueMint Associates - the branding and design agency where he was founding partner and president - in 2003, had been chief strategy officer since 2009.

Prior to that he was chief strategy office for the global packaging pre-press giant's branding and design business Anthem Worldwide, where he was the driving force behind the division's growth.

In his new role, Ashworth, who will continue to report to chief executive David Schawk, will be responsible for directing the group's overall strategy and implementation of business tactics with the company's practices, brands and business units worldwide.

Schawk said: "This appointment reflects the recent expansion of Eric's responsibilities and the growing importance of brand development services as a strategic differentiator for Schawk.

"It also underscores our commitment to delivering distinctive value from the point of brand strategy through visual brand deployment - value that helps define and sell our clients' brands and protect their equities."

Ashworth will also have executive oversight of the company's brand development business, including Brandimage and Anthem Worldwide.

He said: "I look forward to beginning my new role and working with our business leaders to fully realize the potential of our offering worldwide. I'm also excited about the opportunity to set the agenda and expectations for our brand development business.

"David and the executive leadership team have assembled an impressive roster of businesses, talent and capabilities over the years. I am energized by the challenge to strategically combine them for the benefit of our clients."