An Executive Director has been appointed to run the Five Boroughs Programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Eryl Smith has previously worked for BAA in a varied career spanning 27 years. During this time he gained extensive experience across a broad range of activities including:
- planning
- public affairs
- strategic business development
- capital planning for major projects.
In his new role he will be responsible for taking forward joint projects such as employment and training initiatives and programmes to increase opportunities for local businesses.
He will also manage the Joint Planning Authorities Team (JPAT) and report jointly to the Leaders and Mayors of each borough.
An exciting and challenging opportunity
Talking about his new appointment, Mr Smith said: said:
"I am delighted to be leading the five boroughs' programme for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games - building upon the tremendous support and enthusiasm that already exists in this part of London.
"This is an exciting opportunity, which I know will be challenging and worthwhile. I am looking forward to working across the boroughs, with business, local communities and wider stakeholders."
Securing benefits for local people
The post of Executive Director was created by the five Olympic host boroughs, Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, in order to secure maximum benefits from the London Games for local people.
The Five Boroughs programme will work closely with Greenwich Council’s Olympic Unit, which has been established to co-ordinate activities within the Council and across the borough.
The unit offers a main point of contact for the Olympic organisations and is coordinating Greenwich’s plans to maximise the legacy from the Olympics and Paralympics. These will include business opportunities for local firms, widening participation in sport for all ages, and boosting local tourism.
Enormous opportunities
Cllr Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council, said, "The opportunities that the 2012 Games offer to Greenwich are enormous, which is why Greenwich and other local councils were so enthusiastic in their support for London’s bid.
"In the coming years, it will become increasingly important that the boroughs continue their record of working together to ensure that the London Games bring real and sustained changes for local communities. I welcome Eryl Smith in his new role and am sure that he will be a key force in driving forward projects and initiatives that will help secure a rich legacy for local people after 2012."
Find out more about plans for the 2012 games
19 May 2006