Peter Mann, founder and executive chair of sport, leisure and culture consultancy PMP, has been appointed as the first chairman of ISPAL, the Institute for Sport, Parks & Leisure.

His three-year tenure will begin on 1 March.

Speaking about his appointment, Peter said: “It is both a pleasure and a privilege to be appointed to this exciting role.

“My personal goal is to make ISPAL the institute of choice for every leisure professional in the country, regardless of discipline or sector.

“I am, with my board and staff, planning to create a dynamic and vibrant organisation that is proactive, pioneering and of course, highly professional. I relish the challenge and look forward to making a significant contribution going forward – watch this space!”

ISPAL is the new single professional body for the industry, formed out of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) and the National Association for Sports Development (NASD).

Established earlier this year with strong government support, ISPAL aims to raise professional standards and to provide training, qualifications and career advice to professionals and students alike.

The institute’s interim chief executive, David Teasdale, said: “Peter Mann is one of the industry’s undisputed ‘heavyweights’ who has founded not one but two major leisure enterprises, Strategic Leisure and PMP.

“He has direct and broad experience of the public, private and voluntary sectors of the industry. Thus, he has all the expertise, credentials and drive to steer ISPAL’s strategic mission forward. He is himself a great role model for any industry professional.”