Graham Farrant has been named as the next chief executive of the Land Registry and chief land registrar.
The chief executive of Thurrock and Brentwood councils was previously chief executive of Leisure Connection Ltd and pmpgenesis, and will take up the Land Registry role in June.
He replaces Ed Lester who announced he was standing down in September 2014.
Business minister Matt Hancock confirmed Farrant’s appointment in a written statement to the House of Commons.
He said: “With 15 years of experience as a CEO in the public and private sector, Graham has the skills and knowledge to manage the organisation through its transformation into a modern, digital organisation.
“His time in local government will also be essential as the Land Registry takes responsibility for Local Land Charges.”