The London Tourist Board and Convention Board (LTB) has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

David Campbell takes up the post to promote the capital on behalf of mayor, Ken Livingstone's, London Development Agency (LDA), on 9 June.

Campbell is currently non-executive chairman of Zenith Entertainment. Previously, he oversaw the launch of Virgin Radio in 1993 and helped found the Ginger Media Group with Chris Evans in 1997.

Ginger Media subsequently bought Virgin Radio and from 1997 to 2000 Campbell was group chief executive officer. In 2000 he took up the position of executive vice chairman of the Ministry of Sound.

Tamara Ingram, chair of LTB, to whom he will report, said: I am confident that David's entrepreneurial experience, attention to detail and strong ideas - coupled with enhanced funding from the mayor's London Development Agency - will drive forward the growth of tourism in London.

Mayor, Ken Livingstone, said: I look forward to working with David on implementing my vision for this crucial industry.

Director of strategy implementation at the LDA, Tony Winterbottom, referred to the tourism and hospitality sector in London needing not only specialist attention and more resources but also the engagement of the whole of London's public and private sectors.

He continued: David will be a very important focal point for harnessing these talents to help the capital deal effectively with all the challenges that it faces.

Campbell himself, said: I feel privileged to be taking up the mantle of promoting our fantastic capital. My aim is to restore visitor numbers to this world class city, working with the industry and the mayor to leverage the wealth of diversity, culture and heritage the city has to offer.

Paul Hopper retired as managing director of LTB in February this year and deputy managing director, Sandra Elliott, has been acting managing director in the interim period. Details: www.visitlondon.com