The Swimming Teachers Association (STA) has appointed Andrew Baker to the new role of Business Development Director.

Baker will be tasked with working closely with Roger Millward, STA chief executive, and the development and marketing teams, with the focus on developing new business opportunities for the association both in the UK and internationally.

Baker said: “There are some real opportunities in aquatic services and products running up to, and beyond London 2012, which we can develop whilst still retaining the STA's charitable ethos.

“Cost savings for operators is another key area where we hope to offer a complete aquatic package, whilst still retaining high quality programmes, training and accreditation."

Baker joins the STA from Children First, a company he founded and sold to Pro Stream Sports Marketing recently, and his role as MD involved working with family and children's only facilities to maximise their involvement with Government policies such as Building Schools for the Future.