Mr Wye will replace Dr David Collins CBE, who will be retiring in the New Year.

"We are delighted that Rob Wye has accepted this post at what will be, by all measures, a challenging time for the further education and skills sector," said LSIS chair Dame Ruth Silver DBE.

"Rob has an abundance of experience and is well known to and respected by the sector. We can be supremely confident that Rob has what it takes to lead LSIS into the next phase of its development."

Dr Collins said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time at LSIS and I have gained a huge amount on a personal and professional level.

"The staff have been tremendous especially in embracing the changes needed to offer new improvement solutions and strategies. In Rob Wye, LSIS has found someone who knows the sector well and also understands the bigger picture. I am delighted that LSIS and the sector's quality improvement strategy will be in excellent hands."

Susannah Fairbairn

(Pictured: Incoming LSIS CEO Rob Wye)