Jim Leask has been appointed as marketing director of World ParaVolley until 2018 ©LinkedIn

World ParaVolley (WPV) has appointed Jim Leask, the former chairman of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sport Management Committee and Sports Council, as its marketing director until 2018.

Leask has a Master's degree in organisational management and is senior director of project procurement for United States-based manufacturing company, DCP Midstream.

He has extensive experience in the world of sport for people with a disability, including roles as a coach, team manager and administrator.

"I look forward to working with the Board of the WPV to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic marketing plan to help the WPV to achieve its mission of developing the sport of volleyball for Para-athletes," said Leask, who has attended 10 Paralympic Games in various roles.

Bosnia and Herzegovina won men's Para-volleyball gold at the London 2012 Paralympics
Bosnia and Herzegovina won men's Para-volleyball gold at the London 2012 Paralympics ©Getty Images

Men's sitting volleyball was first introduced to the Paralympic programme at Arnhem 1980, with a women's event added at Athens 2004.

At London 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Iran in the men's final and China overcame the US in the women's showdown.

Although sitting volleyball is the only Para-volley discipline currently on the Paralympic programme, standing events also take place, as well as beach sitting and beach standing competitions.