Metro Blind Sport has appointed Martin Symcox, the former director of drowning prevention charity the Royal Life Saving Society UK, to the position of chief executive officer.

The London-based charity, which was founded in 1973, aims to open doors to a wide range of sports for all visually impaired people, regardless of age or sporting ability.

It described Symcox as a “passionate, enthusiastic leader”, with a successful senior management track record, a good knowledge of and network within the sport and leisure sector, a background in the public, private and third sectors, and experience in business development, leisure marketing, communications and partnership management.

Andy Law, chair of trustees, said there had been a thorough and competitive recruitment process leading up to the appointment, adding: “Martin builds upon a solid foundation, with a great team and partners and collectively we are determined to stimulate further activity and opportunity for visually impaired people across London.”

“Metro Blind Sport has been supporting visually impaired people for 45 years and I feel very proud and privileged to bring my knowledge and passion to contribute to this agenda,” Symcox said.