Former Vietnam refugee Hieu Van Le has been named as South Australia’s next governor.

Mr Le, the current deputy, will replace Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce from September.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said Mr Le had a great life story, having arrived in Australia from war-torn Vietnam as a refugee 36 years ago.

Mr Le worked as an accountant until he retired in 2009 and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2010.

Cancer Council SA chief Brenda Wilson will succeed Mr Le as Lieutenant Governor.

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