WORCESTERSHIRE'S commercial director Tom Sears has been appointed the new chief executive of Derbyshire.

Sears, who has been at New Road for the past four years, will take up the post with the Scorpions on Tuesday, February 1.

His departure comes hot on the heels of Mark Tagg's departure. Tagg -- Worcestershire's long time former director of finance and operations -- left the County earlier this year to become Northamptonshire's new chief executive.

Worcestershire's chief executive Mark Newton believed, however, that Sears' move reflected well on the County.

"It shows that people like what we are doing here," he said. "People are ambitious and they want to progress. I'm delighted for Tom."

Sears added: "This is a very exciting opportunity for me to lead Derbyshire and to take full advantage and benefit from the wonderful new development at the club."

Derbyshire chairman Trevor Bowring said: "We are delighted that Tom is joining Derbyshire.

"He has extensive and successful experience of marketing and communication in the sports business."