He will retain his involvement as a non-executive director and as chairman of its Hungarian operation.

Ashfield's departure was first mooted last week as part of the group's senior management restructure, which included Mike Young's appointment as managing director of Polestar Sheffield.

"It is a logical time for me to leave," said Ashfield (pictured), who was part of the team that formed Polestar in 1998. "The group is now streamlined and we have excellent sales directors and sales teams in place."

"The role John has played in the group's success has been second to none," said chief executive Barry Hibbert. "He has played an integral part in winning long-term contracts with a number of leading magazine and newspaper publishers."