FORMER Nestl Rowntree marketing guru Pete Davis has joined York City's board of directors.

The appointment, made by the club's Supporters' Trust, will see Davis, 33, fill the recently-advertised role of commercial director.

It means that only a third of City's boardroom - and not 50 per cent as originally hoped for in the Trust's constitution - are now also Trust Board members.

Former Minstermen director Mike Brown was a Trust Board member until he stepped down last year and Davis is the Trust's first club director appointment since the rescue package to save City was completed in April 2003.

Directors Sophie McGill and Steve Beck are now the only Trust board members at the KitKat Crescent helm.

A Trust board member also volunteered for the position but Davis was elected after a vote at a Trust board meeting.

The issue of parity on City's six-strong club board will now be addressed as part of the Trust's overall governance review.

Trust chairman Richard Snowball welcomed the appointment of Davis, who has already been providing marketing assistance to the club over the past couple of months, since completion of the Nestl Rowntree KitKat Crescent deal.

Snowball said: "Whilst a record level of commercial income has been generated over the past couple of years, we want York City's relationship with local businesses to be developed further. Pete's business skills and experience should help us build for the future."

Davis now has his own marketing business, but has previously worked for Nestl in the areas of marketing, business account management and sponsorship.

His work has included dealing with a number of high-profile companies and brands, including sponsorship in the football industry.

The main focus of his role for City will be the development of commercial revenue streams and helping to build the club's profile amongst local business.

Over recent months, the Trust has undertaken a selection process that incorporated the member's resolution from the December 2004 annual meeting, such that any willing and able volunteers from among the elected Trust Board members were also considered for appointment.

The commercial director position was advertised by the Trust and club and was open to any willing volunteers who believed they had the appropriate skills and commitment.

Commenting on his appointment, Davis said: "I'm looking forward to helping the club build commercially for the future and providing the foundations for some better times for both loyal and new supporters of York City Football Club."

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, May 04, 2005