HUDDERSFIELD Technical College has a new man at the helm.
Governors have announced the appointment of Chris Sadler as the college's new principal and chief executive.
Mr Sadler, who will take up the post in January, has a background in teaching and management in further education and schools.
He replaces Jeanne Coburn who is now principal at Dudley College.
He will be in charge of a college with 20,000 students and more than 1,000 staff.
Mr Sadler began his career teaching PE and sport and later became head of department at a large comprehensive school in Sheffield.
In the mid 1970s he moved into the further education sector. Following various roles at FE colleges in Sheffield he became the director of studies at Calderdale College in Halifax.
In 1995 he was appointed vice-principal at Kensington and Chelsea College in London.
Following his appointment Mr Sadler outlined his vision for further education in Huddersfield and Kirklees.
He said: "My aim is that we should be regarded as a College which is responsive and addresses the needs of the whole community.
"We will be striving to increase partnerships with other organisations to make us even more effective in supporting the aspirations of students, parents, employers and the wider community.
"My aim is to provide a friendly, inclusive, learning environment where all take pride in learning and achievement.
" I want to build on the College's reputation as a provider of high quality education and skills training both locally and regionally."
Mr Sadler is married to Angie, deputy head of a nursery/junior school in Sheffield.
The couple have two grown-up children.
The former under 18 England international and Arsenal youth team player still tries to keep fit and lists his interests as golf, running, gardening and enjoying their holiday home in France.
