KA Leisure has appointed industry veteran Malcolm McPhail as its interim chief executive.

McPhail, who was group CEO at Stockport Sports Trust/Life Leisure until October 2020, will take up the role on a six-month contract.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the industry, McPhail spent 14 years at Life Leisure.

The Chair of KA Leisure, Gary Higgon, said: “Malcolm has a strong track record in the industry and we look forward to working with him over the next six months.”

Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “This is a great interim appointment for KA Leisure and Malcolm will get the Council’s support to ensure that together we deliver the best health, wellbeing and physical activity outcomes for people in North Ayrshire.”

KA Leisure, the trading name of North Ayrshire Leisure Limited, operates four leisure centres on behalf of in North Ayrshire Council – Auchenharvie Leisure Centre, Garnock Community Campus, Glengarnock Portal and Vikingar! – and six community sports hubs.

In addition, it also manages three golf courses, while the Vikingar! Leisure Centre also doubles up as a Viking-themed visitor attraction.

McPhail will be tasked with steering KA Leisure's recovery and renewal strategy as it reshapes it services, as society emerges from pandemic restrictions.

McPhail said: "I'm really looking forward to helping KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council navigate their way through this difficult build back period."