Places for People Leisure Management (PPLM) chief executive Steve Philpott is to retire next year after 11 years at the helm, with current finance director Sandra Dodd set to take up the reins.

Philpott has led the company, which changed to its current name from DC Leisure earlier this year, through substantial growth during his time in charge. PPLM – which won Leisure Centre Operator of the Year at the 2014 Flame Awards – currently partners with 36 local authorities, managing 112 leisure centres across England and employing over 7,000 staff.

Philpott is thought to be stepping down to spend more time with his family and was thanked by the board for his dedication and “excellent leadership of the business.”

Places for People Group CEO David Cowans said: “Following a competitive recruitment process we are delighted to have appointed Sandra Dodd who has an impressive track record and in depth knowledge of the business. She has 20 years’ experience in the company including 12 years as finance director.”

Dodd, who is a chartered management accountant, hopes to continue to grow the number of leisure centres PPLM operates and also increase its contribution to the wider health and wellbeing sector.

“With the support of Places for People Group we are in a great position to grow the business at an unprecedented rate and give the best possible customer service within our leisure centres,” she said.

“We will achieve this by continuing to invest in our staff, technology, innovative building design and service delivery working closely with our local authority partners.”