Former Sky Bet boss Richard Flint joins Welcome to Yorkshire

Richard Flint will take up the post immediately, following the end of his two-year stint as the chairman of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in Yorkshire.

He said: “It’s been a pleasure and privilege to grow a business and to bring up our family in Yorkshire, and I am looking forward to spreading the word about all that our wonderful region has to offer as a place to visit.

"I am also excited to join such a diverse and multi-talented Board.”

The Essex-born businessman, who adopted Yorkshire as his home county in 2005, is a keen cyclist and names Fountains Abbey as his favourite place.

Peter Box, chairman of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Richard’s reputation precedes him, and you only have to look at his career achievements so far to know he’ll be a brilliant addition to the team.

"He brings a huge skill set, a great vision and a progressive and dynamic approach. We’re delighted to welcome him on board.”

Graduating from Oxford in Engineering, Economics and Management he went on to study Public Policy at Harvard University and then worked at the Financial Times, McKinsey & Sky before taking the helm at Sky Bet.

He oversaw the transformation of Sky Bet from the Harrogate-based division of Sky with fewer than 100 employees to an independent company based in Leeds with over 1,500 people and a turnover of £700m.

James Mason, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “I believe this to be a fantastic appointment. Having known Richard for a number of years I know exactly the personality and expertise he will bring to the organisation.

"Under Peter Box’s leadership, we are building a team of people that will help us create and deliver our exciting new strategy.”