Prior to joining Police Scotland, DCC Will Kerr spent more than 27 years in PSNI where he held a number of command-level posts including Assistant Chief Constable Belfast and ACC Crime and Operations.

He joined the NCA in 2017 as director, where he was the national lead for co-ordinating the UK’s domestic and international response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, modern slavery, human trafficking and organised immigration crime.

He had joined Police Scotland in 2018 as DCC for Local Policing.

A confirmation hearing for the posting is due to take place on September 16.

The previous CC Shaun Sawyer retired last month and the post has since been filled temporarily by Jim Colwell.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “We had a strong field of applicants with a proven track record as outstanding leaders who put themselves forward for this post

“In Will we were presented with someone who was not only an exceptional strategic leader, but someone who was able to clearly articulate how he would use this leadership to develop a police force that worked hand in glove with our residents and partners to tackle crime and protect the most vulnerable in society.

“His clear pride and passion for the job and the high standards he holds himself and others to shone through.”