A cross-Channel ferry chief has stepped down in a shake-up by ferry operator DFDS.

Chris Newey has run the Norfolkline and DFDS Seaways passenger services between Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais for eight years.

His departure follows the merger of DFDS operations in Dover and Newcastle into a single organisation.

"Building and developing the international passenger proposition first with Norfolkline and then with DFDS Seaways over the last eight years has been great fun," he said.

"I feel very proud to have taken the business from a fledgling passenger enterprise into the second largest ferry service on the Channel and have been privileged to have been able to build such a talented and supportive international sales and marketing team."

Peder Gellert Pedersen, executive vice president and head of DFDS' Shipping Division, hailed Mr Newey's "outstanding contribution to the development of our passenger services on the English Channel."

He had grown the car traffic market from 6% to 40%. "We are extremely grateful for his important contribution to our success on the Channel and wish him all the best in his future career."

Carsten Jensen, managing director of DFDS Seaways English Channel services, said: "The purpose of merging the two existing organisations into one is to achieve stronger visibility and make it easier for our customers to find us, use our services and book their travel with us."

UK sales will be headed by Max Foster, while Pete Akerman, becomes head of UK marketing and strategy.

DFDS also operates the Newhaven to Dieppe, Portsmouth to Le Havre, Newcastle to Amsterdam, and Harwich to Esbjerg routes.