BEALE PLC, the company which took over the former Bentall's department store in Tonbridge two years ago, has announced the appointment of a new non-executive director and chairman.

Mike Killingley, 53, joins the board on March 1, and on April 1 is due to become the company's non-executive chairman, subject to election at its annual general meeting on March 23.

Mr Killingley currently holds a similar position with Southern Vectis plc and Conder Environmental plc, and holds several other non-executive positions in private companies.

He was a senior partner with KPMG before retiring from the firm in 1998, and is a former non-executive director of Advanced Technology (UK) plc.

Allan Allkins, Beale's chief executive, said:"We're delighted to welcome Mike as chairman. His wide experience of business will be of great value to Beales and we very much look forward to working with him.

"James Sexton retires as non-executive chairman after the AGM and the board is grateful for his contribution over the past nine years."

Beale plc has its head office in Bournemouth and acquired its Tonbridge store, together with stores in Worthing and Ealing, in 2002 as part of a £5.7 million deal.