Chris Banks has been appointed the new chair of the Learning and Skills Council.

Mr Banks was previously a member of the LSC’s National Council and Chair of its Young People’s Learning Committee.

He is also Chief Executive of Big Thoughts Ltd, a food and drink company created in 2001 following a management buy-out from Coca-Cola Great Britain, Chair of the London Employers’ Coalition for New Deal and a member of the Supervisory Board of Community Action Network.

Mr Banks said he was delighted with his new post and was looking forward to working closely with Chief Executive Mark Haysom.

“We have a clear direction; we will make sure that young people and adults in this country have the knowledge and skills to match the best in the world and we will help employers to get the training and skills they need for their businesses,” he added.

Mr Banks replaces Bryan Sanderson.