The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced that following John Harwood's announcement earlier in the year that he would be taking early retirement, former newspaper MD Mark Haysom will be taking over as Chief Executive of the LSC next month.

John Harwood has been in post since the formation of the Learning and Skills Council three years ago. At the time of John Harwood's announcement, the Times Educational Supplement alleged there was more to Harwood's resignation than meets the eye, suggesting there was a clash of management styles and disagreements with ministers and LSC chair Bryan Sanderson.

His successor has spent eleven years at the Trinity Mirror Group, where he spent the last three years as managing director of national newspapers.

Bryan Sanderson, LSC Chairman, said:

"Since John announced his retirement earlier this year we have searched both the private and public sectors for a suitable candidate. I'm delighted that Mark is joining us. The LSC is ripe for a step-change. We are embarking on a major internal restructuring to deliver cost savings and improve our links with employers, schools, colleges and other providers. We are conducting a radical review of learning provision. We are a key delivery agent for the Government's recent Skills Strategy white paper. Mark will bring a fresh perspective and impetus to running a large, complex organisation such as the LSC".

Charles Clarke, Secretary of State for Education and Skills said: "The LSC has now moved from its set-up phase, and is primed for delivery, and for leading the drive to establish a learning culture in this country. Mark will lead that drive, working in partnership with other key organisations to transform the performance, quality and responsiveness of post16 learning and to establish the LSC's leading role in delivering the Skills Strategy."