Leisure East Devon (LED), the charitable trust that operates leisure facilities on behalf of East Devon District Council, has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, Peter Gilpin.

Leisure East Devon (LED), the charitable trust that operates leisure facilities on behalf of East Devon District Council, has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, Peter Gilpin, who will take over when current leader, David Pagett, retires next month.

A former PE teacher and swimming coach to Olympic level, he is currently as managing director of Avalon Leisure.

Peter, 51, is responsible for the management of all of Mendip District Council's leisure centres and pools in Somerset, as well as a private fitness club.

With over 20 years' experience in leisure management, Peter has worked closely with Mendip Council and other local partners through a period of significant change, including the creation of a leisure trust similar to LED.

Originating from Exeter, where he still has close family ties, Peter began his career in leisure management as the supervisor of Topsham Outdoor Pool when it first opened in 1979. A keen Masters swimmer, he is the current British Masters 100m Backstroke champion for his age group and is looking forward to continuing his involvement in the sport in East Devon. He is also a national Lead Tutor for British Swimming.

Peter served for many years as a national and regional Council Member of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management and is the current Secretary of the Leisure Management Contractors Association. He will take over the reins from David Pagett in mid-March and is enthusiastic about his appointment, saying: