Shooting Fish and Waking Ned producer Neil Peplow has been named as the new director of film of UK training organisation Skillset.

Peplow will replace current director of film Janine Marmot, who has been in the post since November 2006, on March 2nd.

He will take over responsibility for the body's five-year strategy for film, A Bigger Future, a joint initiative with the UK Film Council.

The managing director of Meerkat films for the last two years, Peplow previously held the position of head of production at The Film Consortium, where his work included My Summer of Love, Bright Young Things and The Propostion. A former chairman of the new Producers Alliance, Peplow started his film career at Gruber productions.

'Neil is a fantastic appointment for Skillset. He has an impressive track record, and brings with him a wealth of experience and contacts', said Skillset Chief Executive Dinah Caine.

Iain Smith, Chair of the Film Industry Training Board, said: 'Neil has extensive experience and an excellent reputation in the industry. He knows the challenges that the industry is facing, and is well connected so will be able to consult widely and make sure that the next phase of the strategy continues to be firmly rooted in what the industry needs'

Peplow added: 'I am delighted to be joining Skillset at this exciting time. Like most industries at the moment, we are grappling with the impact of digital technologies and global competition within the context of an economic downturn. It is more crucial than ever that we adapt and continue to invest in the talent, skills and training of our industry.'

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