A new chief executive has been appointed to take the helm at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Training and Enterprise.

He leaves his post as chief executive of the East Mercia Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which covers the Burton-on-Trent, Walsall, Cannock and Tamworth areas.

He is to come to Coventry to replace Malcolm Gillespie, who is moving to become the chief executive of the new local Coventry Learning and Skills Council.

Mr Frost said:

"This is an excellent opportunity to lead and develop one of the most significant chambers in the country.

"I will be very sad to leave Walsall, a place I have become very attached to, but this opening is one I certainly could not dismiss.

"I am eagerly anticipating making new friends and forming relationships with businesses and partners in Coventry and Warwickshire that will ensure continued success, building on the terrific work put in place by Malcolm Gillespie and the existing Chamber staff."

Chamber chairman David Burton said:

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Frost as the new chief executive of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber, a post he is likely to begin early in the new year.

"David is the ideal candidate to continue the development of The Chamber, building on the successes of the past few years.

"We remain committed to working in partnership with a wide range of local stakeholders and to play a part in the further economic development of Coventry and Warwickshire."

Chamber president Isabella Moore added:

"I look forward to working closely with David to provide an excellent service to Coventry and Warwickshire businesses.

"We warmly welcome David, who has a very strong track record in running a highly successful Chamber.

"He takes over at a particularly interesting time in The Chamber's development, with the formation of the Learning and Skills Council and success in securing the Small Business Service franchise."

Mr Frost leaves the East Mercia Chamber, after joining Walsall Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1979, rising up the ranks from senior policy executive to assistant director.