A HAMPSHIRE college has a new principal and chief executive.

Eastleigh College has appointed Dr Jan Edrich to take over the dual roles, replacing Tony Lau-Walker, who retired after 17 years in charge.

Dr Edrich, pictured right, has worked at the college as the deputy chief executive for the past two years and in senior education roles for many years.

She has a Doctorate in College Strategic Planning and Policy and has worked in education since 1990, having come from a commercial background in telecommunications manufacturing.

Before coming to the college, Dr Edrich was chief executive of the Association of South East Colleges, supporting the development of the colleges in the region, during which time she worked closely with 60 colleges including Eastleigh.

Dr Edrich, who is a keen runner, said she was impressed by the college’s focus on preparing young people for work, an apprenticeship or further education working together with local employers to ensure they had the experience.