Roger Carr is to succeed Helen Alexander as president of the Confederation of British Industry at the end of her term of office in June 2011.
Mr Carr will become deputy president in January 2011. Members will be asked to endorse his appointment as president at the AGM. Commenting on his appointment, Helen Alexander said: "I am delighted that Roger Carr is joining the CBI team. His extensive experience as chief executive and chairman of some of the UK's most successful companies make him a great choice for the role of president.

She continued: "Roger Carr and John Cridland will be a formidable partnership. They will ensure that the voice of business and the concerns of members are heard during the testing times ahead and that the CBI goes from strength to strength."

In his new role, Mr Carr will play a leading part in the organisation's advocacy work, meeting with ministers, promoting UK business internationally and chairing the CBI board. It is an unpaid appointment.

He said: "It is a privilege to be chosen as CBI president at this critical time for business. Driving the UK's economic recovery during the next two to three years will be a real challenge, but I believe that the CBI, led by John Cridland, will have a valuable contribution to make. I look forward to working with John and the rest of the CBI team."

Mr Carr joined the board of Centrica as a non-executive director in 2001. He was appointed Chairman in May 2004 and also chairs the Nominations Committee. He is a director on the court of the Bank of England and he is also a senior advisor to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.

He has previously held a number of senior roles including Chief Executive of Williams plc, chairman of Chubb plc, chairman of Thames Water plc, chairman of Mitchells & Butlers plc and chairman of Cadbury plc.