Mark is currently a Senior Development Manager at The Football Association, where he has held a variety of roles in grassroots football over the last 24 years.

He is a long-standing governor at local schools, including being the current Chair of Governors at Robert Bloomfield Academy, and is also a Central Bedfordshire Councillor.

Mark was appointed following a two-day interview and selection process last month.

BEST Chief Executive Officer Dr Alan Lee said: “We are delighted to appoint Mark to be our next COO, following a rigorous recruitment process, and I look forward to him joining our trust.

“Mark particularly impressed us with his passion for education, commitment to the community and a proven record of hard work and delivery.”

Mark said: “In my governance role at Robert Bloomfield I am already deeply rooted in the ethos and values of BEST, and I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to now work with all at the trust to support our young people.

“I have a long-standing passion for education, which is often the gateway to widening the range of opportunities for young people to succeed in life.”

Mark will succeed Craig Smith, who is retiring at the end of the academic year after eight years in the post.

Mark will join BEST in June and will work together with Craig for the second half of the summer term to ensure a smooth handover.

Craig said: “This is a strong appointment for BEST and I’m really pleased to be handing over the baton to Mark.

“Being invested in our communities is a core value that runs right through BEST. As a trust we are always keen to continue strengthening our community links and I am sure Mark, with his knowledge and connections in the area, will drive this forward over the coming years.”