A major Cumbrian agricultural and engineering group has appointed a new chief executive.

Hugh Pelham has been appointed to succeed Tim Davies as chief executive of Carr's Group after Tim announced he would step down last month.

Hugh will join Carr’s as chief executive officer designate and as a member of the board on January 4.

He will formally succeed Tim after the group's next annual general meeting, which is expected to take place on January 12.

Tim will step down from the board at the AGM but remain with the group during a short handover period.

Carr's Group, which has its headquarters in Carlisle, runs a network of country stores selling farm equipment, as well as supplying animal feed and supplements across the globe and fuel for heating and vehicles in northern England and southern Scotland.

Its engineering division designs and manufactures bespoke equipment and provides technical engineering services into the nuclear, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, process and renewable energy industries, including robotic and remote handling equipment.

Hugh is currently global president at Minova, part of ASX-listed Orica, a manufacturer and supplier of chemical and mechanical earth control products, adhesives and support equipment.

Minova has revenues of A$600m, generated from 40 countries globally.

Prior to this, Hugh spent four years as managing director of Wood Group Industrial Services Limited, which provides specialist coatings, access and fabric maintenance services to the oil and gas, marine and rail industries.

He also served as president (for Europe, the Middle East and Africa) of Wood Group Industrial Services and was responsible for international growth and leading a team of over 2,000 people.

Hugh said: “I am very excited and honoured to be joining Carr’s Group.

"The company is steeped in technology and innovation across both agriculture and engineering which, together with its market-leading brands, provides a strong platform for driving growth and increasing profitability.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the team, and to play my part in the group’s exciting future.”

Chairman Peter Page said: “I am very pleased to welcome Hugh to Carr’s.

"He is a first-rate business executive with a track record of consistently delivering top and bottom-line growth at both privately owned and publicly listed businesses.

"From scaling founder-owned enterprises to leading swift and decisive turnarounds, Hugh’s considerable experience will be of real value when leading a business as diverse as Carr’s.”

The company will announce its full year results for the year ended August 29 on November 23.