Dr Peter Spillett has become the new President of the Institute of Fisheries Management, taking over from retiring President, Professor John Solbe.

Peter has a long service record with the Institute, chairing the London Branch for 18 years and was the national IFM Chairman from 1992 – 1997. Peter was a Trustee for London 21 and also for the Freshwater Biological Association. He is currently a member of the Environment Agency’s “RFERAC” Advisory committee for Thames Region.

Peter has worked in the UK water industry for over 32 years, primarily with Thames Water. Originally a fisheries scientist he moved into general management and held a succession of high level posts covering business planning, corporate strategy, privatisation and economic regulation. For the last ten years he was Head of Environment, Quality and Sustainability for Thames. During this period he was also heavily involved in overseas commercial ventures and has worked on water- related projects in most continents. In the last two years he became Environmental Director for American Water, an RWE–Thames subsidiary company, dealing with major environmental and water resource issues across the States.

Following early retirement in 2006 he joined Aquatic Science APEM Ltd as a non – executive Director and also takes on part time consultancy work.

Ian Dolben Chairman of the IFM said
 “We are delighted that Peter has accepted the role of President of the Institute. Peter will bring a vast range of experience from his long career in the water industry, and especially his involvement in the work of the Institute at all levels. In 2009 the Institute will celebrate its 40th birthday and we are sure that Peter’s expertise will be invaluable in the exciting developments planned for the Institute in the next few years.”