Mike Pence replaces Chris Christie as head of Trump's transition team

Donald Trump has appointed his vice-president elect Mike Pence to head up his presidential transition, replacing New Jersey governor Chris Christie in the role.

Trump's "transition advisers" also include his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kuschner, as well as Trump's sons Donald Trump jr and Eric Trump.

His three children will also take over Trump's business, along with other executives, heading up the company while Trump takes on his new role as president.

Chris Christie, who remains part of the transition team, was intended to head up the transition but has been replaced by Pence.

It is no surprise that the new president-elect is looking to surround himself with family members and supporters – with his potential cabinet picks also rumoured to include those who stuck by Trump during a tough election campaign.

"Together this outstanding group of advisors, led by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, will build on the initial work done under the leadership of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to help prepare a transformative government ready to lead from day one," Trump said in a statement about the transition seen by The Hill.

"The mission of our team will be clear: put together the most highly qualified group of successful leaders who will be able to implement our change agenda in Washington. Together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding this nation — specifically jobs, security and opportunity. This team is going to get to work immediately to Make America Great Again."

The president-elect's transition team also includes Rudy Giuliani, Ben Carson and Newt Gingrich, as well as his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.