Chief operating officer Scott Thompson leaves Geon

Thompson left suddenly on Tuesday, after nearly four years at the trans-Tasman printing group, the past six months as chief operating officer reporting to chief executive Graham Morgan.

Morgan said: "Scott has been a great contributor at the most senior level, challenging both his colleagues to think differently and to continuously improve the way our business operates.

"I wish Scott well in his future endeavours and thank him for his contribution to Geon on behalf of the board, myself and all employees."

Word of the departure sent the industry rumour mill into overdrive, but Thompson told ProPrint that the split was amicable and that he remained "very loyal to Graham Morgan".

"I am in a great space; I am not bitter or twisted. I was not walked off the site or marched out. Although it may appear sudden for some, it was not sudden," he told ProPrint this morning.

Thompson said it made sense to leave now, after playing a key role in a number of major projects at Geon, including the consolidation of its Eastern seaboard operations, the installation of new press technology and the massive debt restructure.

He said a number of options had already opened up, but was currently looking forward to some downtime: "The past three years have been unbelievably tough. It fair to say I have worked seven days a week, 16 to 17 hours a day, in the office every Saturday and on a plane every week. That takes it out of you."

It is unclear whether Thompson will be replaced. A Geon spokesperson said: "Our priority is on ensuring we stay focused on our existing strategy and direction. From the implementation of the final elements of the restructuring work, Scott saw the natural closure of his role and thus a mutual decision was reached by both parties."

The change marks another top-level restructure at the group. Four months ago, Geon moved to a "national management model along the Eastern seaboard rather than site-based management structures", with ex-Blue Star figure Glen Draper appointed to the sales role and Roger Kirwan given the responsibility for national operations.

Late last year saw the departure of executive general manager for strategy and growth Tony Onsley, who had been promoted along with Thompson in a management reshuffle in August 2010.