Glasgow 2014 have made their first major raid on London 2012 following the conclusion of the Olympics and Paralympics to appoint Ty Speer (pictured) as their new deputy chief executive and he will lead the £100 million ($162 million/€123 million) commercial programme for the Commonwealth Games, the biggest event ever to be held in Scotland.
The 46-year-old American was the client services director at London 2012 where he led the development of key sponsorship properties, including the Olympic Torch Relay, Volunteer Programme, Cultural Olympiad and the Paralympic Games.
It marks a return to the Commonwealth Games for Speer who worked for Melbourne 2006 as its geeneral manager of sales and commercial.
He had been one of the longest serving members of London 2012 having joined the Organising Committee in August 2007.
As part of his role he headed up all client relationships with 55 sponsors and regular engagement with the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations and key public sector partners including the Greater London Authority, Visit London and UK Sport.
In addition, during the past 18 months Speer led the operational integration of the London 2012 commercial programme into the overall Games delivery operation.
Speer's appointment means that the top two positions at Glasgow 2014 will be held by Americans, as chief executive David Grevemberg is from Louisiana.
"Glasgow 2014 will be a world-class sporting and cultural celebration full of opportunities for Scotland and I am delighted to welcome Ty as part of our winning team," said Grevemberg.
"Ty brings with him a wealth of delivering experience at the highest levels of international sporting events.
"His knowledge, experience and leadership will all be great assets to the Organising Committee in delivering on our ambitions of an outstanding Commonwealth Games for Glasgow and for Scotland."
Speer, who is from Atlanta and a graduate of Duke University in North Carolina, will officially join Glasgow 2014 in November when his contract at London 2012 ends.
In his new role Speer will lead the teams delivering the Games' commercial revenues across sponsorship, ticketing, international broadcast rights sales and licensing and merchandising as well as taking management responsibility for a number of other areas.
The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have a budget of £524 million ($850 million/€648 million) of which the Organising Committee will raise £100 million ($162 million/€123 million) in commercial revenues.
Glasgow 2014 will be hoping that Speer proves to be as innovative as he was during Melbourne 2006, when he was involved in linking up with telecoms conglomerate Telstra and other partners to stream the event online and via mobile phones, at the time a revolutionary concept.
"Glasgow 2014 is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for Scotland and I am thrilled to be part of what will be a great success story for the city and for Scotland," said Speer.
It is clear from commitment shown and the enthusiasm generated that the Games already have a fantastic momentum.
"I look forward to maximising all opportunities to deliver an outstanding sporting and cultural celebration of which Scotland can be proud."
Several other senior figures from London 2012 are expected to relocate to Scotland during the next year to work for Glasgow 2014.
"Ty has made a valuable contribution to the overall success of the London 2012 commercial programme, both in generating income, and in providing delivery leadership for our Commercial Partners," said Chris Townsend, the commercial director of London 2012.
"I am sure he will commit himself to the success of Glasgow 2014."
By Duncan Mackay
Source: www.insidethegames.biz