The Institute of Directors, one of the UK’s longest-running organisations for business leaders, has revamped its committee in the county.

Former RIFT Accounting managing director Jane Ollis has shaken up the team after taking over as the body’s new Kent chairman in May.

She will look after businesses in the life sciences and finance sector, mirroring her new job as director of sales and marketing at medical device developer Quvium UK, based in Discovery Park, Sandwich

She has appointed Sian Holt, managing director of Lyminge-based Fudge Kitchen, to represent retail, wholesale and food manufacturing.

George Jenkins, ex-Dover Harbour Board chairman and chair at the Professional Standards Authority, will look after infrastructure and transport while Dominic Deeson, publisher at Canterbury-based Deeson, will take on marketing and digital media.

Kent County Council's former head of external communications Marcus Chrysostomou, who now runs Whitstable-based Equilibrium PR, will focus on policy and public affairs.

The digital economy and technology innovation portfolio goes to Claire Burroughs, company director at Southborough firm Ansacom, while sustainability and the circular economy will be looked after by Sonja Wood, director at Ashford-based Ecosan Services.

Completing the board is Hadlow Group finance director Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, who takes on the rural economy and skills, while Lesley Bennett remains as IoD Kent Branch Manager at its office in Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne.

Mrs Ollis hopes announce more members will join the board soon, representing other sectors.

She said: “I am fortunate that a number of new members have joined the committee who are also well respected business leaders.

“They will now be known as IoD Kent Ambassadors and will represent the committee in their areas of expertise.

“As a team, we are focused on making Kent a great place to do business and future activity and events will reflect this.

“It is both a challenging and exciting time for businesses following Brexit and we want to make sure businesses are given the support and opportunity they need to grow and be able to positively respond to the changing landscape.

“I wish to thank those members who have left the committee for their hard work in helping to make IoD Kent one of the biggest branches in the country.”