Four independent non-executive directors, including a former senior newspaper executive and a former food industry boss, have been appointed to the boards of three local authority owned companies.

Publica Group provides services for district councils in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

A recent recruitment drive for the directors positions attracted around 100 applications and these were whittled down to the four successful applicants.

They are David Brooks (who will also be chairman), James Towner, Steve Anderson Dixon and Rosa Stewart, who will work together with Cllr Wendy Flynn appointed by Cheltenham Borough Council.

David Brooks, chairman of the board, has worked in the food industry for nearly 30 years including nine years with Brake Bros and 11 in the baking industry. Between 2002 and 2008 he was Chief Executive of Finsbury Food Group plc.

He had a four year spell as the chief executive of Sussex County Cricket Club, cricket being one of his passions.

He said: "This is an opportunity to be involved with something brand new and potentially pioneering which could make a difference to public services across the country.

Steve Anderson Dixon has nearly 40 years' experience in the media, with 28 years for Northcliffe Media where he was divisional managing director responsible for print and digital titles across the South West & Wales including The Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo, and five years at Trinity Mirror where he was Chief Operating Officer.

He now has a portfolio of non-executive roles including the British Veterinary Association. In addition he runs a property investment business with his wife.

James Towner works for Capita as a strategic engagement director. He has spent more than 20 years working in customer service transformation for organisations including Thames Water and HSBC. He was Chief Operating Officer for the Research Council's shared service centre.

Rosa Stewart has eight years experience in energy in public and private sectors. She is a qualified solicitor by professional background and has advised energy and infrastructure project developers at the leading global firm Clifford Chance.

Cllr Wendy Flynn has been on Cheltenham Borough Council for 15 years, including a year as mayor.

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, chairman of the Joint Committee, which is overseeing the development of Publica Group, said: "The interviewing panel was really impressed by the strong field of candidates and believes the four independents we have appointed have a strength and breadth of expertise that the whole organisation will be able to utilise.

"Through working in this new way and forming companies it is projected to save us £41 million over 10 years - with annual savings of £5.6 million forecast from 2020. "

Pictured left to right: Frank Wilson, head of paid service for Cotswold and West Oxfordshire District Councils; Sue Pangbourne, head of paid service for Forest of Dean District Council; David Neudegg, partnership managing director; David Brooks; Rosa Stewart; James Towner; Cllr Wendy Flynn; Steve Anderson Dixon; Christine Gore, strategic director for Cotswold and West Oxfordshire District Councils.