Former managing director of Avalon Leisure, Peter Gilpin, has taken over as chief executive of sports trust Leisure East Devon (LED) following the retirement of David Pagett.

While with Avalon Leisure, Gilpin was responsible for the management of all of Mendip District Council's leisure centres and swimming pools in Somerset. He was also previously a PE teacher and swimming coach to Olympic level.

"We're delighted to welcome Peter on board and I'm pleased to be retiring knowing that the future of LED is in safe hands," said David Pagett.

"He offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in building mutually beneficial partnerships across the whole sector of leisure management and sport, and we're confident he will bring this experience to LED with great success going forward."

Gilpin added: "David and his team have done a tremendous job in getting LED off to great start in the organisation's first four years.

"I am taking over at a time when LED and East Devon District Council, like all local authorities and their service providers, are facing considerable challenges in the face of unprecedented economic constraints. I am very much looking forward to the challenge and working with the team at LED, the Council and customers."

Photograph: Retiring CEO David Pagett, right, and incoming CEO, Peter Gilpin