POSTED: November 14th 2008
NewsUpdate
BOA plays safe with Hunt
KEIR RADNEDGE / Sports Features Communications
LONDON: Andy Hunt is new chief executive of the British Olympic Association for the most exciting – and challenging – era of its history in the run-up to the 2012 Games and Paralympics in London.
Hunt, who starts work officially on Tuesday, takes over from Simon Clegg whose move ‘sideways’ was decided back in June when he was handed the role of chef de mission of Team GB in the attempt to reach fourth place in the medal table in 2012.
The restructuring of the BOA, under chairman Lord Colin Moynihan, also includes moving from its present headquarters in Wandsworth, south-west London, to a move central venue.
Hunt, a keen sailor, was formerly managing director of Reliance, a security services business. Before that he led the expansion of Vertex Financial Services & Private Sector across the United Kingdom, North America and India.
Lord Moynihan, welcoming Hunt’s imminent arrival at the BOA, said: “He has a keen appreciation of the talent and dedication it takes to reach the top in both the business and sporting worlds. As an outstanding senior executive, he takes the helm of the BOA at a key time in our history.
“He is a first-rate leader who defines competition along with proven business expertise at the highest level. I am confident he will be highly effective with all the stakeholders involved with the BOA and the London 2012 Olympic Games."
Athletes' concerns a priority
Hunt expressed his commitment to the Olympic movement and to a national Olympic association which “put the interests of the Olympic athletes as its priority.”
He added: “I am very enthusiastic about the difference London 2012 can make to the British sporting landscape. I look forward to working with the BOA staff, Team GB, the Olympic governing bodies and the wider Olympic family in taking forward the BOA's objectives."
The BOA is sending nine British teams to Olympic-accredited events over the next few years but Hunt’s performance will also be judged on the effectiveness with which he manages to represent the interests of athletes and NGBs effectively to government, LOCOG, the Mayor's Office and all leading 2012 stakeholders.
Hunt, educated at Watford Boys Grammar School, is a Fellow of the Institute of Direct Marketing, a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and a Royal Yachting Association offshore yachtmaster. He also lists athletics and rugby among his sporting interests.
Keywords · Andrew Hunt · British Olympic Association · London 2012 · Simon Clegg · Lord Colin Moynihan
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