Locog hunts for marketing chief

London 2012

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog) has separated its marketing and commercial departments and is on the hunt for a brand and marketing director to head the standalone team.

Locog’s marketing is currently led by commercial director Chris Townsend but he is to be freed up to concentrate on wider commercial duties.

The appointed marketing chief will work with Townsend but report to Locog chief executive Paul Deighton.

The commercial team will now focus on raising private sector funds and overseeing the procurement process.

The brand and marketing director will be charged with achieving “record levels of engagement and support for the 2012 brand” and providing “clear brand and marketing leadership”.

Former Eurostar marketing chief Greg Nugent is overseeing the role in the interim but it is not yet known if he is to apply for the job.

Head of brand and marketing Amanda Jennings, who will be on maternity leave from October, will continue in her role and report to the new recruit.

The changes follow the April appointment of McCann Erickson to handle the integrated marketing account for 2012. The Interpublic agency battled against Sir Martin Sorrell’s WPP Group to win the pitch.

The appointment was overseen by Townsend and a team including Jennings.