Former Hull chairman Adam Pearson has taken charge at Premier League bottom club Derby County.

Pearson, who sold his stake in Championship Hull earlier this year, has been named as the Rams' executive chairman.

Pearson had been the subject of speculation linking him with a potential investment in Derby in recent weeks.

But out-going chairman Peter Gadsby said: "The first point I want to make clear is that Adam joining the club does not represent a takeover of Derby County.

"We wanted to introduce someone to the board who could take us forward in terms of the running of the club and was prepared to put in an investment of his own as a demonstration of his commitment to Derby County."

Since leaving Hull, Pearson had been linked with Leeds - where he was once commercial director - Notts County and Huddersfield.