Boa Appoints New Chief Executive
The British Olympic Association has confirmed Bill Sweeney, currently working as head of business development at Puma, as its new chief executive – replacing Andy Hunt, who stepped down earlier this year.
Sweeney, 55, will be responsible for overseeing the governing body’s day-to-day operations ahead of the Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as well as the inaugural European Games in 2015.
Over his 25-year career, Sweeney has worked with brands across rugby, cricket, sailing and Olympic sport, and directed Puma’s business strategy for the London 2012 Games, including the firm’s work with Usain Bolt.
He will take up the new role in mid-November, where he will head up a staff of 50 from the BOA’s headquarters in London.
BOA chairman Lord Coe said of the appointment: ‘Bill’s business and sport experience, and his impressive record in developing global sports brands, makes him the right choice for this role.’
‘He knows how to build brands, reach consumers and generate the revenues that are necessary to support our operations.’
Meanwhile, justice minister Helen Grant has succeeded sports minister Hugh Robertson in the latest government reshuffle.
Robertson, whose three and a half years in the role took in the failed bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and the successful London 2012 Olympic Games, moves to the Foreign Office as a minister of state.
