East Malling Research has appointed a new group financial director in a move it hopes will 'boost the delivery of future plans.'

The East Malling group of companies, East Malling Trust and East Malling Research, appointed Johanna White to the post.

White, who has over 25 years experience as an accountant, will be responsible for controlling the financial side of the organisation's research, investment and commercial sectors.

East Malling Trust Chief Executive, Adrian Padfield commented: “Johanna’s extensive experience across a number of industries will play an important role in helping us drive our key objectives and deliver our future plans.

'It will also help underpin the Trust’s financial support for the vitally important work at East Malling Research.”

Meanwhile, White said she is focused on giving the firm's research programmes her full backing.

She concluded: “The diversity of commercial and scientific work being undertaken here will demand strong financial planning and management - there’s never going to be a dull day.”