Giselle Davies has tonight delivered a shock resignation as director of communications at the International Olympic Committee, according to a website report.
Davies, daughter of SJA member Barry Davies, the BBC football, tennis and hockey commentator, had worked from the IOC’s Lausanne headquarters for six years, following a spell at the Jordan F1 team. The Cambridge graduate took the IOC job following the Salt Lake City bidding bribery scandal and the IOC’s reputation was at an all-time low. She was known to work closely with IOC President Jacques Rogge.
But Davies had what might be described as an “unhapy Games” in Beijing, where she became the focus for much discontent and aggressive questioning at the IOC’s daily briefings by western media on human rights issues while trying to maintain a diplomatic line with the Chinese local organising committee.
Davies told insidethegames.com: “I have enjoyed six fun, fascinating, and eventful years at the IOC and am proud of what the communications team has achieved.
“Beijing is a fantastic high to leave on; these Games and their build up presented challenges that really only come along once in a career.
“Now is very much the right time for me to start a new chapter, both personally and professionally. I will leave the IOC after the Beijing 2008 debrief towards the end of this year and then enjoy some down time before exploring options for 2009 and beyond.”
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