Gareth Llewellyn has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

He will take over on 1 April from the acting Chief Executive Paul Satoor who will remain as deputy chief executive.

He has substantial leadership experience in a range of high-profile safety-critical industries, including senior roles with National Grid plc and Anglo American plc and has led businesses through a number of mergers and acquisitions.

As Group Safety, Technical and Engineering Director for Network Rail he led the drive to improve both the culture and safety performance. He is currently one of the Department for Transport's nominated Non-Executive Directors on the Board of the Harwich Haven Authority and has also held Board roles at Biffa plc and the Renewable Fuels Agency.

Announcing the appointment, Transport Secretary Philip Rutnam said: 'I am very pleased to welcome Gareth Llewellyn to the department in his role as Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

'The work of DVSA and its dedicated staff is essential in delivering a safe road network for users right across Great Britain. I am confident that Gareth will provide excellent leadership to the organisation as it moves forward in a busy and challenging period ahead.'

Mr Llewellyn said: 'The services DVSA provides touch the lives of everyone in Great Britain, whether it be through enabling people to drive or ensuring vehicles are safe to take to the road.

'The professionalism of everyone at the DVSA will enable us to respond to the ever changing expectations of our customers, helping them travel safely every day.'