Insider Media Limited

John Cridland, who comes from Boston, has been unveiled as the new leader of the CBI. Cridland will take over from current director general Richard Lambert at the end of January.

Cridland was educated at Boston Grammar School before going on to achieve an MA in history at Christ's College, Cambridge.

Previously the deputy director general, Cridland recently hit the headlines when he told Insider that the government's handling of local enterprise partnerships has been "pretty shambolic".

He featured on a long list of 45 candidates for the job which included nine women. It was reduced to 18, before being narrowed to six lead contenders - five men and one woman.

CBI president Helen Alexander said: "With all eyes on the business community to lead our country's economic recovery, the role of CBI director general has never been more important.

"The nomination panel and I were looking for someone with an extraordinary mix of communication, influencing, intellectual and leadership skills.

"We wanted someone with a proven track record, a firm understanding of public policy and a passion for business. The candidate also needed a clear vision of how the CBI needs to work with the government and wider society to achieve growth and economic stability.

"His motivation, energy and appetite for change meant that John Cridland was, without doubt, the best person for the job.

"As deputy director general, he has been Richard's right hand man and an invaluable chief operating officer. He has been instrumental in helping to shape business and public attitudes on issues ranging from the minimum wage and flexible working, to industrial relations and the environment."

Cridland, 49, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to lead the CBI at this critical time for business.

"There are many challenges ahead in getting the economy growing and no one thinks that securing the UK's economic future will be easy, but business people across the country are rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job.

"Under my leadership, the CBI will be working to create high-quality, workable solutions that promote competition and allow all businesses, both new and established, to thrive and prosper, serve their customers and create jobs.

"I strongly believe that a combination of innovation, dynamism and plain hard graft will help rebuild the UK's international reputation and will ensure that the UK is the best place to invest."