Peter Fitzboydon has stepped down from his chief executive position at London Sport to become the managing director of Parkwood Leisure.

Fitzboydon will officially join the Worcester-based leisure management operator in June 2017.

He will be responsible for maintaining and developing client relationships, enhancing operational standards and developing new business through “innovation and engagement”.

Tony Hewitt, founder and executive chair of Parkwood Holdings, said Fitzboydon was a “great asset” with “significant experience in sport, especially the delivery of grassroots participation.”

Fitzboydon, who ended his three-year association with London Sport last week, added: “I’m looking forward to contributing to the company’s future success and developing a long-term, added value relationship to create more healthy communities that enjoy exercising and promoting healthy living.”

He replaces acting managing director Giles Rawlinson who will take up the new position of commercial and finance director.

Parkwood Leisure operates more than 85 leisure facilities on behalf of 25 local authorities across England and Wales. It has a turnover of £85m.

Fitzboydon's successor at London Sport will be unveiled "in the coming weeks".