STEEL company Corus has promoted a senior manager to chief executive.

Tony Pedder, 52, who has worked in the industry for 30 years, takes up the post next month.

Sir Brian Moffat has been acting chief executive and chairman of the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker since December last year, following the departure of two joint chief executives.

Mr Pedder, who held a number of senior management posts in the former British Steel, is currently responsible for the Corus strip products business in Holland and the UK.

Corus, which has slashed its workforce this year, said details of Mr Pedder's salary would be given in the firm's annual report, next year.

Mr Pedder said: "The workforce in Corus has responded magnificently to the current market challenges and hostile trading environment. Their continued support is transforming the competitiveness of Corus."

Michael Leahy, general secretary of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation, said: "There needs to be a new vision for steel in the UK. We hope that Tony Pedder will provide that."