Simon Clegg, chief executive at the British Olympic Association, is the chief casualty of the national Olympic committee’s policy review, presented at yesterday’s executive meeting with the intention of modernising the 103-year-old organisation.
Clegg, who joined the BOA from the Army as an equipment officer and then assistant secretary more than 20 years ago, will continue leading the Britain team at the Beijing Games.
But the review, instigated by BOA Chairman Lord Moynihan, demands that the organisation should be led by a new chief executive drawn from the business world and capable of doubling annual revenues, from £11 million, and the number of staff, from 60. Headhunters have been appointed to find a commercial leader, expected to command a six-figure salary.
Moynihan said the reshuffle would allow Clegg to “focus on what he is good atâ€.
Clegg said: “Having been at the centre of the conception and development of the London 2012 bid it was always clear that its success would have a profound impact on the BOA.
“There has never been a more exciting or dynamic time in British Olympic sport and within the BOA in particular.
“I am excited at the prospect of leading Team GB in Beijing and thereafter focusing all my energies on supporting Team GB in achieving our aspirational goal of fourth place in the London 2012 medal table.â€
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The announcement is the culmination of three months’ work by management consultants at AT Kearney.
A more heavyweight management structure, with an emphasis on business expertise, was viewed as essential to ensuring that Britain meet their target of fourth place in the 2012 medals table.
It is also recognition that Olympic chiefs will come under much greater scrutiny after Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, receives the Olympic flag from his Chinese counterpart at the closing ceremonies in Beijing.
Independent of the Government, it depends entirely for its income on its fundraising activities and commercial sponsorship.
These ventures are likely to become increasingly difficult given the restrictions around the London 2012 and Olympic brands and the competition for money in a tight economic climate.
Moynihan said: “Over the next six months, changes to strengthen the BOA are likely to be the most far-reaching in our history.â€
The BOA will also move to new offices from its slightly eccentric, listed-status head office building in Wandsworth, south London.
For more information please contact Miriam Wilkens in the BOA media office on 020 8871 2677 ext 227 or miriam.wilkens@boa.org.uk
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