A senior economist at tobacco firm Imperial Brands has been appointed chair of leisure operator Circadian Trust.

Ross Parker, who specialises in regulatory policy at Imperial, has taken over from Jon Edwards, who has stepped down after 12 years in the role. Trustee Patrick van Beek, head of ALM, UK Life Finance at Aviva, takes over the position of vice chair from Parker.

The trust, a not-for-profit organisation, operates five leisure centre sites and one dual-use sports centre across south Gloucestershire in partnership with the local authority.

Parker joined the trust in 2014 and has served on the redevelopment sub-committee overseeing the expansion plans for the Active centres at Bradley Stoke and Longwell Green. He has also chaired the audit and finance sub-committee.

“I have seen the trust make significant strides over the past three years, inspiring a range of clients to adopt a healthy lifestyle, not just through sport and activity but through a total lifestyle approach to their wellbeing," Parker said. "This strategy will continue to be a focus for the board going forward.

“I am particularly proud of our achievements with harder-to-reach communities through initiatives such as the dementia café and helping people rehabilitate after a significant illness.”

A keen runner and skier, Parker has served in various UK government departments advising on financial services regulation, and also chairs the tax policy group of the International Chamber of Commerce.