Susan Davy has been appointed as the new South West chairperson of the UK's largest business group, the CBI.

She takes over from Andrew Livingston, CEO of Yeovil-based trade supplier, Screwfix, next month.

Susan is chief financial officer at Exeter-based Pennon Group Plc., one of the largest environmental infrastructure groups in the UK.

A chartered accountant with 20 years' experience in the utility sector, Susan has worked at Yorkshire Water, and was finance director at South West Water from 2007 to 2015, before joining the Pennon Board.

She said: "I am honoured and delighted to succeed Andrew as the new chair of the CBI's South West Council from January.

"At this critical time for the country and our region, the CBI will be striving for the best Brexit outcome for the South West and the UK. It's also vital that businesses and our members have a seat at the table as new devolution deals are discussed.

"I very much look forward to working alongside Deborah Waddell and colleagues to support the South West's fantastic businesses and entrepreneurs as we improve prosperity and productivity, and continue to back the South West."