SHIPBUILDER and support services group Vosper Thornycroft has unveiled a new chief executive and set in motion plans to change its name.

While the shipbuilding division will retain its famous identity, the parent company will adopt the name VT Group.

The switch will take place at the company's annual meeting in July, when Paul Lester joins the group as chief executive. Mr Lester, 52, is managing director at engineering and construction group Balfour Beatty. He takes over from Martin Jay, who becomes chairman after 13 years as chief executive.

The announcement came as Vosper revealed pre-tax profits before goodwill amortisation had increased by one per cent to £36.8m during the year