London mayor Boris Johnson has appointed Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas as the permanent chair of the capital's tourism and business promotional agency, London and Partners.

Dame Judith, a former Royal Opera House chair and the current chair of the New West End Company has held the role in an interim capacity since the agency was established in April.

Johnson said: "As we head towards the 2012 Games, [Dame Judith's] extensive experience will be pivotal in maximising this unique opportunity to showcase London to the world."