The ultimate success of the UKs 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games moved one step closer today, with the announcement that Jack Lemley has been selected as Chair to head up the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), following a global search by Executive Recruitment Consultancy, Rockpools.
Mr Lemley, who ran the Anglo-French grouping that designed and built the 8bn Channel Tunnel, will lead the work in building the key venues, facilities and infrastructure for the 2012 Games.
Announcing the appointment, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: ìThis is a big job. Itís one of the biggest business challenges in the world and one of the biggest jobs in the construction industry. I am delighted to welcome Jack Lemley to the 2012 team as Chair of the ODA. He will bring a wealth of experience to the task of preparing the ground for the biggest sporting event in the world to come to London.î
Hamish Davidson, Chair and Senior Partner of Rockpools said: ìBeing selected to find the Chair and Chief Executive for the ODA was a great honour and we have, quite literally, searched across the planet to find the absolute best of talent to fill this role. We are delighted that Jack Lemely has agreed to become Chair of the ODA and are eagerly looking forward to the announcement of an equally high-profile appointment to the Chief Executive role.î
Mr Lemely said: ìGetting ready the venues and the infrastructure for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the ultimate task for any businessman, with the ultimate deadline - a completion date that cannot be moved, even by one day. I am raring to goî.
The Olympic Delivery Authority will come into existence when the London Olympics Bill completes its parliamentary stages, expected to be in the first half of 2006. The Bill passed its Committee Stage in October and is due to return to the House of Commons in the next few weeks for its Report Stage and Third Reading.
Jack Lemley will serve as Chair of the ODA for an initial four-year term, beginning formally when the Bill becomes law.
The Rockpoolsí team for this ODA project has been led by Hamish Davidson and supported by regeneration expert Balvinder Sangha and his colleague, David Fielding.
For further press information call Kate Pierce on 07968 277157 or kate_pierce@vervecommunications .co.uk
Global search secures Britains Olympic dream

The ultimate success of the UKs 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games moved one step closer today