Man bringing in 2012 games on time and budget takes on new role

THERE’S to be a new man at the London Olympic helm.

He is Dennis Hone who will take over as Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) from David Higgins next February.

Mr Hone has been Director of Finance and Corporate Services at the ODA for over four years and since the outset of the project has been responsible for ensuring the management of the ODA’s multi-billion pound budget and closely involved in the development programme and delivery of the project. He is also responsible for a range of corporate services.

He previously held a range of senior jobs in the public sector focused on regeneration, including English Partnerships, the Government’s national regeneration agency, and as Director of Finance at the Commission for the New Towns.

Outgoing boss David Higgins said leading the ODA for the .last five years has been a privilege. He praised its “outstanding” staff who is delivering the Games’ projects on time and to budget.

“They can be justifiably proud of what they are achieving. There was a lot of scepticism when we won the bid as to whether the UK construction industry was up to the challenge. Their performance on the Olympic Park (at Stratford) is demonstrating that they are world leaders.”

He will be heading Network Rail

John Armitt, ODA Chairman said: “David has done an inspirational job at the ODA.”