REGIONAL development agency Yorkshire Forward has appointed a new chief executive.

Northallerton-born Tom Riordan, deputy chief executive, will succeed Martin Havenhand as chief executive early next year.

He will become the youngest chief executive officer (CEO) of any development agency in the country.

The 37-year-old is married with two young children, and was born and educated in Northallerton, before graduating from Trinity College, Oxford in 1989.