Network Rail Chief To Take Up Oda Reins

John Armitt, the chief executive of Network Rail, has been appointed as the new
chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, replacing previous incumbent Jack
Lemley who controversially stepped down last year.

Armitt, who has headed up Network Rail since 2002, will take the helm at the
ODA from 1st September charged with delivering the construction of key venues,
facilities and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games.

Armitt takes the reins from Sir Roy McNulty who has been filling in as acting
chairman since Lemley’s resignation and will revert back to his previous role as
deputy chairman.

Armitt’s position is part time, and comes with a £250,000 salary for a 3.5
day per week commitment. He is contracted to serve a five-year term running
through until the completion of the Games.

Lemley quit last October initially claiming that it was due to pressing
commitments in his international construction business.

However, he later launched a withering attack on his former employers in an
interview stating that he felt his position had become unworkable due to
political infighting and the unwillingness of government ministers to face up to
construction challenges and an escalating budget.