JUSTIN Garnett has been appointed as the managing director of North Yorkshire property developer and investor, The Ogden Group of Companies.

Forty-five-year-old Justin succeeds his father Tim, who is stepping down after 48 years with the Harrogate-based company.

Although Tim is retiring as managing director, he will remain on the board.

Justin, who joined The Ogden Group from Jones Lang LaSalle in 2006, said he was looking forward to making the most of a “fantastic opportunity and an exciting challenge”.

Chairman Sir Robert Ogden said: “The baton has now passed on to the younger generation. Justin is highly experienced with an extensive knowledge of the commercial and residential property market in Yorkshire and the North of England.

“We have every confidence that he will make a great success of his new role.”