Locog appoints brand and marketing chief

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog) has appointed Greg Nugent to the newly created role of brand and marketing director.

Nugent, a former head of UK marketing at Eurostar, has been overseeing brand and marketing on an interim basis since the summer but has now been appointed on a permanent basis.

The role was created after Locog separated its marketing and commercial departments. The Committee’s marketing had been led by commercial director Chris Townsend but he has been freed up to concentrate on wider commercial duties.

Nugent will continue to work with Townsend but report to Locog chief executive Paul Deighton.

The commercial team under Townsend has now switched focus to raising private sector funds and overseeing the procurement process.

Locog will be ramping up its marketing efforts as the Games approaches and Nugent will focus on building the 2012 brand.

Thomas Cook recently became the 23rd domestic sponsor of the Games joining tier two sponsors Adecco, Cadbury, Cisco, Deloitte and UPS. Tier one sponsors include British Airways, British Telecom and Lloyds TSB.

Nugent will work with McCann Erickson, which was appointed to handle the integrated marketing account for 2012 earlier this year.

Locog’s head of brand and marketing Amanda Jennings, who is currently on maternity leave, will continue in her role and report to Nugent.