Industry veteran Pradeep Sharma has been appointed president of the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI).

Sharma, who currently serves as vice president for Business Development at WhiteWater in India, has been involved with IAAPI for 17 years, previously serving as the organisation's vice president.

Working in the attractions industry for 20 years, Sharma has held several roles, including lead operations for EsselWorld/Water Kingdom as well as managing director of his own company, Bombay Amusements.

Sharma has worked with WhiteWater since 2013, where he is responsible for the development of India's waterpark market, and was involved in the opening of Wet N Joy, India's first international waterpark.

"This is a great honour for me as this is an industry I have lived and breathed for over 20 years and I look forward to helping this sector continue to grow in India," said Sharma.

"Over the last few years, there has been an influx of iconic new projects and, as the Indian economy continues to grow at an exponential rate, I envision the need for leisure to increase further."

Mike Rigby, regional vice president of the Middle East and India at WhiteWater, said: "Pradeep's knowledge of the market is second to none and the respect and camaraderie he has amongst his colleagues and fellow industry experts illustrates that there is no one more befitting this appointment.

"I have no doubt that Pradeep will make a huge contribution to the continued evolution of the amusement and water park industry in India," Rigby added.