VENTUREFEST Oxford has announced the appointment of Mike Foster to take as chairman following the departure of Lynn Shepherd in December.

Mr Foster is joining Venturefest as it celebrates 21 years of bringing together the county’s entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.

He said: “I am looking forward to the challenge.

Lynn is a tough act to follow, but I have some good ideas that should keep Venturefest thriving and growing into its third decade.”

Mr Foster has recently been appointed centre manager at Oxford Innovation.

The next Venturefest event will be held at Oxford Brookes University on September 11.