HEREFORD and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has announced a new chief executive will take over the running of the organisation in April.

Sharon Smith will step up from her current role as deputy chief executive to take over from outgoing boss Mike Ashton, who announced his retirement in October last year.

She has worked at the Chamber for 10 years and was appointed deputy chief executive in 2014.

Previously, she spent 13 years working for Business Link in Herefordshire and seven years working for a Manufacturing company in Hereford.

The role attracted 80 candidates with Sharon attracting unanimous support. She starts her new role on April 1.

Sharon said: “I am delighted to have been successful in my application and I look forward to building on the success of the Chamber and strengthening our partnership with businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”

Jim McBride, Chairman of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Sharon has the full support of the Board and is the right person to take over from Mike. We wish her every success".

And Mike Ashton added: “I’m really pleased for Sharon and I look forward to seeing how her experience will take the Chamber forward.

“We will be working closely together over the next three months and I am certain that she will be successful in her new role as Chief Executive.”