THE hierarchy of regional development agency One NorthEast is about to change with a number of appointments.

The contest for the agency's chief executive's post had its casualties, with director of operations Mark Henderson and director of strategy and external affairs Brian Ham leaving.

Both applied for the position and have since decided to pursue their careers elsewhere.

Mr Henderson was appointed chief executive of Northumberland County Council, a seat vacated by the man who pipped him to the post as RDA chief executive, Alan Clarke. Mr Ham is understood to be working in the private sector.

These departures have left the agency looking for a director of delivery and a director of strategy and development.

A further directorship has been created with the director of communications vacancy.

The three newcomers will join Malcolm Page, director of corporate resources, and Neil Mundy, director of strategy for success.

The new posts will be advertised this week and will come into effect in January.

Coming a month after the arrival of new chairwoman Margaret Fay, and eight months after Alan Clarke's appointment as chief executive, the team will have a fresh look.

Mr Clarke said: "As director of operations and director of strategy and external affairs, respectively, Mark Henderson and Brian Ham achieved a tremendous amount and have set in train plans that are helping to steer the agency forward."