The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has enlisted the help of an Olympic veteran as its new chief executive.
The appointment of David Higgins, currently chief executive of English Partnerships, comes only days after the Government announced that former Channel Tunnel boss Jack Lemley would chair the ODA.
As managing director and chief executive of the Lend Lease Group, Higgins oversaw specialist developments in the run up to the Sydney Olympics in 2000, including the Olympic Village and the Aquatic Centre.
Speaking about his new role, Higgins said that he was delighted to take on the position, and hoped to achieve much by 2012.
“Delivering the games is a unique opportunity for the entire country,” he said. “My job is all about delivering the facilities for the world's greatest sporting event in 2012 and ensuring a lasting legacy for east London, the rest of the capital and the UK.”
Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games voiced his support for the new appointment: “I am confident that David will be able to repeat and even surpass the success he achieved at the Sydney 2000 Games to make the London 2012 Games the most sustainable and memorable ever.”
The ODA go live after the London Olympic Bill is passed in the first half of 2006. David Higgins and Jack Lemley will begin preparatory work on the ODA from the beginning of January.
The ODA will be responsible for building venues, infrastructure and facilities for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012.
By Jen Crothers
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