Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce for the last 15 years, has announced she is to retire.

The popular 63-year-old has worked for the chamber - which represents businesses across the county - for the last 33 years.

But she has decided to now step down - her last day in the role will be December 22.

During her remaining 12 months in post, she will be working with the chamber's board to recruit her successor.

Jo James - awarded an OBE for her services to the Kent economy in 2019 - said: "During the last few years the chamber has stepped up to support not just our members but the whole of the county’s business community.

"We’ve successfully delivered the Covid Helpline, and continue to drive forward a series of business support initiatives, including the Kent & Medway Growth Hub, each one designed to help companies navigate very challenging economic conditions.

“We will continue to do everything we can to help businesses across Kent and Medway, and I look forward to working with my successor as I seamlessly handover at the end of the year.”

Chris Hare, chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber, added: “After being synonymous with the chamber for so many years, there is no doubt that Jo will be a hard act to follow. She has successfully built a formidable team around her and established Kent Invicta as one of the leading chambers in the country.

“Her announcement gives us plenty of time to find a worthy successor and that work starts immediately.”