Julie Lennard, former director of strategy, policy and communications of the of the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has been appointed as its new chief executive.

Lennard (pictured)  has been interim chief executive since March and will shortly take up the role on a permanent basis. She is the first woman to be appointed to the role.

Prior to this she had been DVLA’s director of strategy, policy and communications since August 2014.

Department for Transport’s permanent secretary Bernadette Kelly said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Julie Lennard to the role, leading DVLA at such an important time as it develops into a digital hub for motorists.

"Julie is an experienced and talented leader and brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role.”

Prior to joining DVLA, she worked at The National Archives where her responsibilities included developing strategic policy relationships with senior stakeholders and overseeing Parliamentary and legislative issues.

Lennard has also worked for Which?, one of the largest independent consumer organisations in Europe, in a range of roles including as a journalist and representing the campaigning organisation to government departments, agencies and other stakeholders at a national and international level.