The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) has appointed Martin Barratt as its new chief executive.

Barratt will join BALPPA on 1 May 2010 to allow a three month handover before current CEO Colin Dawson retires on 31 July.

Barratt is an industry veteran and became an independent consultant in 2004 after more than 20 years of operations and development experience in the European attractions industry, including management roles with the Tussauds Group at Chessington World of Adventures and five years as operations director at Alton Towers.

He then became operations manager at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, before directing the new factory tour for the Wedgwood pottery company in Staffordshire.

He subsequently joined Merlin Entertainments, where he managed contracting and consulting, new business development and directed operations of the dungeons and parks business unit.

Commenting on the announcement John Bollom, BALPPA chair, said: "Martin has a wealth of experience in our industry and will carry the mantle of chief executive with great authority and skill. Our members can be assured that our political lobbying work will be in safe hands and our Membership benefits will continue to deliver satisfaction."

Barratt added: "I am delighted to have the chance to continue the great work that Colin has been doing for BALPPA. We have become the voice of our industry and I hope to be able to carry this work on and develop it in the future.

"The attractions industry is of great importance to the UK economy and it deserves recognition and support from our legislators. We have a number of important initiatives under way which I look forward to promoting on behalf of BALPPA members."