A NEW chair of York professionals was appointed to the board at the organisation’s annual general meeting last night.

Rachel Goddard, founder and managing director of York-based Intandem Communications Ltd, will take over the role from John Yeomans, who has led the initiative to promote York’s professional sector, since it was founded in 2001.

Rachel has been vice chair for the past seven years. Tracey Smith, managing director of York Science Park Ltd and a director of York Professionals, will take on the role of vice chair.

Rachel said: “It’s an exciting time for the city and I look forward to working closely with the York Professionals board and collaborating with other organisations to further enhance the City of York’s profile as a dynamic city that means business.”

Outgoing chair John Yeomans added: “Rachel’s vast amount of commercial expertise, strong leadership qualities and wealth of contacts from across all sectors make her the perfect person to take over this influential role.”