Leighton Group chairman Paul Callaghan is to become chairman designate of One North East and will formally take over the role from Margaret Fay on 16 August.
He has had a long career in business and now heads the software, media and communications group.
"The coming years are a crucial time for this region and I want to help build on the agency's tremendous achievements over the last decade," he said.
"We must capitalise on the opportunities for economic growth that exist in sectors such as new and renewable energy, low carbon vehicles and science and technology."
