Ex-credit card company boss Christopher Rodrigues is to head up tourism body VisitBritain as chairman.

He will replace Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge – who will have been in the role for two years when he goes - in the non-executive position from 1 January 2007.

His appointment, which will run for four years, requires just six days work a month with an annual pay packet of £45,155.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: “Christopher Rodrigues’s credentials are impeccable, with his impressive experience in both the tourism and financial sectors. I look forward to working with him to make London 2012 the most successful Games for a host nation’s tourism industry in modern Olympic history.”

Rodrigues, who left his role as president and chief executive of Visa last month after two years has also worked as chief executive of building society Bradford & Bingley.

Between 1988 and 1996 he was chief operating officer of tour operator Thomas Cook.

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By Chris Druce

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