The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has confirmed who will step into the shoes of its out-going chief executive Jo James.

The business organisation, which represents members from across the county, has appointed Tudor Price to the top job.

The former professional actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company will take over the reins from Jo James at the end of the year. She announced in March she was to resign after 15 years in the post.

Mr Price, 56, has worked for the chamber for 12 years.

Chris Hare, chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “Tudor was the outstanding candidate in a very strong shortlist and his appointment was unanimously approved by the board. His considerable understanding of the day-to-day issues facing business across the county, and his insight and experience, will be invaluable in his new role.

“We all know that after working at the chamber for 33 years, and leading it for 15 years, Jo will be a hard act to follow. We are confident that under Tudor’s leadership, combined with the wealth of talent in the management and team, that the chamber will continue to deliver for its members and be the partner of choice for organisations across Kent.”

He will lead a 33-strong team supporting members which, between them, employ more than 50,000 people in the county.

Mr Price added: “The business environment continues to be challenging for many sectors across Kent and it is more important than ever that the chamber continues to deliver strong and easy to access countywide support.

“Over the next few months I will be working even closer than before with Jo and the board, to ensure a smooth handover so we can hit the ground running in 2024.”