Sencio Community Leisure (SCL) has today announced the appointment of Jane Parish as its new chief executive.

 Jane will succeed Mark Whyman who set up the not-for-profit leisure trust in 2004 and who retires on 31 March.  Mark was previously in charge of Sevenoaks District Council's leisure and recreation services.  

 Mark Whyman says: "I am enormously proud of our achievements since Sencio was launched. The business is now a credible community leisure trust with a proven track record and a well-earned reputation. I am delighted we have been able to find a new chief executive from within the Sencio family and I congratulate Jane on her appointment. I have every confidence she will steer Sencio successfully and with great vision in the years ahead."

 Currently its commercial services director, Jane has been a key member of the SCL team since the trust was formed and was previously part of Sevenoaks District Council's leisure and recreation services department as well as having a long track record in leisure and fitness, in management, operational and front-line delivery roles.

 SCL chairman Gillian Shepherd-Coates says: "Jane has a wealth of experience in leisure and fitness and I wish her every success as we address the opportunities as well as the challenges we face.  We must continue to ensure access to healthy living is available to all sections of the community we were set up to serve. I also want to thank Mark for his tireless hard work and dedication and I am pleased he has agreed to continue in an advisory role until the end of May to assist in the transition process."

 Jane takes up her new post on April 1 and will be in charge of a staff of 380 responsible for managing Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre and White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley, as well as Lullingstone Park Golf Course, Wildernesse Sports Centre (Sevenoaks), a grounds maintenance operation and a programme of sporting and community development activities.

 Jane Parish comments: "With a successful and inspiring Olympic and Paralympic year behind us and with issues such as increasing levels of obesity in the UK, especially among the younger generation, the challenge for Sencio will be to engage people of all ages in sport, leisure and healthy living.

 "The Sevenoaks district has a formidable track record in nurturing sporting talent and in embracing individuals who simply enjoy physical activity as part of their lifestyle.  I look forward to working with the Sencio team, our partners and customers as we ensure those opportunities are sustained and developed for the future benefit of all."