Benchmark, the specialist executive search consultancy, has appointed the former chief of the general staff of the British Army, General Sir Mike Jackson, as non-executive chairman.

General Sir Mike will act as a mentor strategist and senior consultant in the aerospace, defence and security practice, and also take a leading role in Benchmark's training resource operating across all four of the Group's industry sectors.

David Montgomery, co-founding executive director of Benchmark Search Group, said: "I am delighted to have General Mike as part of our team here at Benchmark. His reputation, ability and experience bring an extra dimension to everything we do. He is known throughout industry and the country, not just the defence world."

General Sir Mike retired from active service in 2006.