Peter Pinnell, Director of the Leisure Services Department, is to retire after 39 years service with the City Council.

Peter Pinnell, who has led the department since 1987, said:

"It has been a challenging job at times, but one which I have invariably enjoyed doing and I’m very fortunate to have had the support of some fine colleagues."

Chief Executive Iain Roxburgh said:

"I have had the pleasure of working with Peter during the last 10 years and would like to thank him for all the support he has given me. I also would like to pass on my best wishes for Peter and his family in the many years ahead."

City council leader John Fletcher said:

"I would like to thank Peter for the contribution he has made to the growing modernisation of the council’s services. Peter’s leadership has helped to develop a wide range of leisure opportunities in the city and I hope that he now has a happy and relaxed retirement."

The Lord Mayor of Coventry will host a civic reception for Mr Pinnell on 2 July to mark his retirement, effective from 30 June.

Peter Pinnell, a Coventrian educated at Bablake School, joined the City Council’s Water Department in September 1960 as a junior clerk. In 1967 he gained a Diploma in Municipal Administration (DMA) at Birmingham and the Lanchester Polytechnic while training in the Town Clerk’s Department.

In 1971 Peter joined the new Social Services Department and progressed from Deputy Administration to become one of two Deputy Directors in 1985. He said:

"This was a period of unprecedented expansion in the social services and the lessons learned and friendships made have lasted well."

He has also served as Vice Chair of the Chief Leisure Officers’ Association and for several years acted as an advisor to the Association of metropolitan Authorities.