Keith Loring has been appointed as new chief executive at Derbyshire following the departure of Tom Sears.

Sears, 39, has taken a newly created job responsible for business development with New Zealand Cricket based in Christchurch.

Loring, who is currently head of commercial at the County Ground, will take over at the end of next week.

Sears said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Derbyshire and am pleased with the progress we have made."

He added: "I hope most members and supporters feel the club is in a better position now than it was four years ago."

Sears, who joined Derbyshire from Worcestershire in February 2005, has overseen a financial turnaround of the county.

Tom Sears has made a fantastic contribution during his time with the club Derbyshire chairman Don Amott

Derbyshire have also invested heavily in improvements at the County Ground, resulting in a 300% increase in gate receipts. And they have also returned matches to Queen's Park in Chesterfield.

Amott said: "Tom has made a fantastic contribution during his time with the club and under his leadership the executive team have made tremendous strides in turning the business around."

Loring, who has worked as head of commercial since 2003, was the club's first choice for the position.