KIRKLEES College has appointed a new principal and chief executive.

Peter McCann is currently deputy principal at Leeds City College and will join the college in spring, 2011.

He will replace Chris Sadler, who has been principal of the 20,000-strong college for several years.

Jeff Dakers, chairman of governors at Kirklees College, said: “We are delighted to announce that Peter has accepted the position of principal and chief executive at such an exciting time for the college.

“Peter has a remarkable depth of knowledge and experience in the further education sector, which we feel will influence and benefit both students and staff. He will lead our team as we continue to drive up standards across the college and deliver excellence for Kirklees.”

Mr McCann said: “Kirklees College has made giant strides forward since the merger (of the Huddersfield and Dewsbury sites) in 2008 and I look forward to joining the team to build on what has been achieved to date.

“I plan to listen and learn from everyone at the college including staff, students, governors and the wider community. I am passionate about releasing the magic in staff and realising the potential of everyone who contributes to college life.

“The new Huddersfield centre and developments in north Kirklees present a fantastic opportunity for us to position ourselves as central to the labour market and skills agenda in West Yorkshire, responding to needs of the employers, schools and local communities.”

Peter, 59, has lived in West Yorkshire for 20 years but originates from Bootle, on Merseyside.

Before embarking on a career in further education, he worked in a number of occupations training originally in accountancy before undertaking voluntary service overseas through the British Aid programme, managing a hotel and hosting a radio show. As a mature student he was a psychology graduate of Liverpool University and is a qualified teacher.

Peter’s appointment comes at an important time for the college which employs 1,400 staff and has 20,000 students including 5,000 full-time learners, as it meets the challenges of the spending review and delivering a £74m new build project at the Waterfront Quarter which is scheduled to open at Folly Hall in September 2012.

Peter added: “I’d like to thank the college for this opportunity and putting its faith in me to lead the team on the next stage of the journey towards excellence.”