Dryden spearheaded DS Smith’s drawn-out takeover of SCA Packaging, which completed last July, in a deal worth £1.3bn. The acquisition made it one of the leading suppliers of recycled packaging for consumer goods in Europe.

Before DS Smith he was finance director at Filtrona, where he had spent nine years in various financial leadership roles. Dryden’s decision to leave DS Smith was announced in January and he has been working a notice period since then. He was not available to comment.

Flint Group chief executive Antoine Fady, whom Dryden will report to, said: "Steve joins us with a broad range of experience and great track record in financial management including controlling, treasury, tax and corporate development.

"His appointment further strengthens the executive management team and I’m sure he will provide a valuable contribution in the ongoing successful development of Flint Group."

Flint Group makes printing consumables including conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications. It claims to be number one or two supplier in every major market segment it serves.

The group, which also makes pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing, is headquartered in Luxembourg and employs 6,900 people. Revenues for 2012 were £1.91bn (€2.25bn).

Meanwhile DS Smith has announced Dryden’s successor. Adrian Marsh is due to join in late September. He has been Tesco’s group director of tax, treasury and corporate finance for the last three and a half years.

Previously he was European CFO at AstraZeneca and CFO for global building products at Pilkington.

Marsh said: "I am excited to be joining DS Smith at such an important stage in the company's history. I have been extremely impressed by the business and the management and look forward to supporting the board in driving the company's development."

DS Smith chairman Gareth Davis said: "Adrian brings extensive and valuable international experience and skills and I am confident he will make a great contribution as we continue to execute our strategy to become the leader in recycled packaging for consumer goods."

Davis praised Dryden for his hard work and dedication over the last five years. Dryden stands down on 28 June.