The CBI has appointed Dr Neil Bentley as deputy director-general, while Katja Hall has been made chief policy director.

Bentley was previously director of business environment, working on energy, transport, planning and environment regulation.

Hall has been with the CBI for 12 years, handling policy issues including trade union relations, pensions, working time, welfare reform and EU and the UK labour market.

John Cridland, CBI director-general, says: “I am delighted that Neil Bentley is succeeding me as deputy director-general. Neil will be my right-hand man, liaising with senior business leaders and ministers, and will have a particular focus on delivering for CBI members regionally, nationally and internationally.

“I am also pleased to announce that Katja Hall has been appointed to the newly-created role of chief policy director, ensuring our policy goals are at the heart of government.”