Customer needs are the focus for newly appointed Chair of NHS Surrey, David Clayton-Smith.

Mr Clayton-Smith will take up the Chair from May1, and hold the position until April 30, 2014.

His current role, as Chairman of Highwood Brewery and 25 years experience working on the boards of companies such as Boots, handbag.com and the Fairtrade Foundation are seen as a fresh perspective.

Mr Clayton-Smith said: “I hope by bringing my private sector skills and experience to the NHS in Surrey, to make a real difference to patients.”

He added: “My commercial expertise has been centred on customer need to drive business success and I believe this strategic focus is what Surrey needs.”

Interim Chief Executive Ann Sutton said: “David's skills and experience have been outside of the NHS and this fresh, external perspective based on customer insight will benefit both patients and the team.”

The appointment was made by the Appointments Commission and Mr Clayton-Smith has no declared political interests.