THE NewcastleGateshead Initiative has appointed Sue Crawley as its commercial director, it was announced last night.

Ms Crawley joins the organisation from Tees Valley Tourism Bureau, where she is business tourism manager.

Ms Crawley is the national chairwoman of the British Association of Conference Destinations.

Her previous roles include general manager of Hartlepool Historic Quay and a tourism officer for Middlesbrough Council.

Ms Crawley will take up her post from November.