Mike Robinson will take on the role from 6 March.

His appointment follows the resignation of Dr Ita O'Donovan who is moving to the post of chief executive at the London borough of Haringey.

Mr Robinson has previously served as South Gloucestershire Council's chief executive, and Deputy Under Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: "He has enjoyed a long and successful career in the public sector and I believe he will make a telling contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the city."

Mr Robinson's background is in the public housing sector. He took temporary charge of Plymouth City Council as interim chief executive in 2003 at the request of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.