Image: Rowley is also a Sport England board member

SkillsActive, the sector skills council for sport and active leisure, has announced that Peter Rowley has been appointed chair with immediate effect.

In his new role, Rowley will build on developing political and stakeholder relationships, as well as providing strategic direction to members of the council's board of trustees.

Rowley will also be responsible for leading SkillsActive through its period of change, while overseeing compliance with The Charity Commission Code of Conduct.

He will continue to serve as a Sport England board member; the funding agency's community sport champion in the North East region; and as a member of UK Sport's Audit Committee.

SkillsActive CEO Ian Taylor said: "In line with my remit to drive the business forward, Peter will play a key role in strengthening our new structure.

"This will ensure our core products and services continue to meet the demands and needs of all the sectors we serve, and employers with whom we work."

Rowley added: "I'm delighted to become part of SkillsActive as it transitions from a government funded organisation to one that is commercially and customer driven."

Details: www.skillsactive.com