Michael Ward, who set up the London Development Agency, joins north Kent delivery body.

Kent Thameside Delivery Board has appointed Michael Ward its new chief executive.

Ward has experience of private and public sectors, and in 2000 set up and ran the London Development Agency.

He said he is relishing the challenge of driving forward Kent Thameside regeneration.

“I am committed to ensuring that the development here meets the needs of the existing local communities as well as delivering the very highest quality of development and the regeneration vision for the area,” said Ward.

KTDB chairman Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart said he is pleased that the board has made “such a strong appointment”.

“Michael has the track record, the experience and the passion to work with local partners and to help deliver our vision for high quality regeneration,” said Bruce-Lockhart.

KTDB was established in late 2003 to deliver 30,000 homes, 50,000 jobs and new infrastructure in an area of North Kent covering 22 sq miles.