A new chief executive will take over an organisation which has attracted hundreds of businesses to the county, replacing its boss of nearly 20 years.

Gavin Cleary will join inward investment agency Locate in Kent on April 10 after a 16-year career in the financial services industry, with a particular focus on fintech.

His predecessory Paul Wookey, who has led the company since 1999, has guided the organisation to help 1,077 companies set up, expand or relocate to the county since its inception in 1997.

This has created or retained more than 36,000 jobs.

Mr Wookey told the Locate in Kent board last October that he planned to step down at the end of March.

Locate in Kent’s chairman David Fitzsimmons said: "On behalf of Locate in Kent, we would also like to thank Paul for his services over the years.

“After a competitive recruitment process, we’re excited to welcome Gavin on board.

"We’re confident his experience and fierce ambition will take Locate in Kent forward."

Mr Cleary takes up his new post after being managing director of economic development consultancy Farringdon Square.

He has previously held positions at Enterprise Florida, OCO Global and UK Trade and Investment, where he put fintech at the heart of the government's growth strategy.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Locate in Kent to build on Paul’s fantastic work over the years getting to work with the great team here.

"I look forward to engaging with the Kent community over the coming months to position Kent as the ideal location for growth and inward investment from across the UK and beyond."

Locate in Kent is funded through a contract with Kent County Council to manage its ambitions to attract new companies to Kent.

Council leader Paul Carter said: “Locate in Kent’s contract has been extended for another year to July 2020 and despite austerity in local government we are very confident that our investment in Locate in Kent will continue to support a thriving economy in Kent.”