Arnot bags crucial 2012 role
Doug Arnot has been appointed by London 2012 as the Director of Games Operations.
By Rachel Griffiths
Last Updated: 26/10/09 3:53pm
Doug Arnot, one of the key figures in Salt Lake City's hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics, has been appointed by London 2012 as the Director of Games Operations.
American Arnot will take responsibility for the overall planning, co-ordination and delivery of the Olympics as he steps into the crucial role.
Arnot, who has wide experience in organising major sporting events, was involved in the USA's hosting of the football World Cup in 1994 and was also formerly chief executive of USA Rugby.
More recently, Arnot was senior vice-president for Chicago's unsuccessful bid to stage the 2016 Olympics.
London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton expressed his pleasure at welcoming Arnot to the role.
"We've been talking to Doug for the last six months as part of an international search to fill this position," said Deighton.
"We are delighted that Doug, with his extensive Olympic and Paralympic Games experience is joining us."
Opportunity
Arnot revealed that he was thoroughly looking forward to starting work and admitted he thought the opportunity was one too good to miss.
"Joining LOCOG is another fantastic chapter in my life and I cannot wait to get started," said Arnot.
"London 2012 is a unique challenge and one I could not pass up."
In 2000, Arnot was placed on probation by Salt Lake City organisers following a disagreement with a pedestrian.
He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour assault, spent 10 days in jail and issued a public apology. The misdemeanour expired in 2006.
Fraser Bullock, Salt Lake City's chief operating officer, said that Arnot believed he was innocent but wanted to avoid the media circus that would have come with the trial.
"Basically, it was a very minor incident that was blown way out of proportion," Bullock told the Chicago Tribune. "Doug took one for the team."
