Merlin Entertainments Group has appointed Sir John Sunderland as its new non-executive chair.

The former chief executive of Cadbury Schweppes - and president of the Confederation of British Industry until 2006 - will take up his new post with immediate effect. He takes over from Peter Phillipson, who held the role for three years.

Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin, said: "We are really looking forward to working with John.

"His considerable experience at the top of British industry and of chairing a successful multi-brand consumer business will be immensely valuable to us as we drive Merlin for continued success."