Neil Carney, Head of Games Operations for Gold Coast 2018, has a wealth of experience working on major international events and multi-sport games. They include the 2015 European Games, London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games , as well as a Volvo Ocean Race, the Doha Asian Games 2006, and the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2003.

This is also the first appointment to be made by the new Birmingham City Council Chief Executive, Dawn Baxendale, who only started her own role earlier this month (April 2018), but was involved in the recruitment process.

The Project Director role, which sits within Birmingham City Council as opposed to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, will oversee and co-ordinate city council operations and activity to ensure that Birmingham 2022 is a memorable celebration of sport, culture and business, with a lasting and meaningful legacy for citizens.

Dawn Baxendale said: “I’m delighted to welcome Neil to the team. It is a key role for Birmingham City Council, working with all our Commonwealth Games partners, and I am confident he will do a fantastic job as we continue on our journey towards 2022.

“It’s absolutely critical we get the Games right for the people of Birmingham. Once the 11 days of sporting action are complete in August 2022, we must ensure that all of the efforts that have gone into the event then help in the long term, by improving the standard of life in the city, attracting fresh inward investment and positioning the city positively on an international stage.

“We had a number of very strong candidates, but Neil’s breadth of experience shone through and we look forward to him getting into the role.”

Neil added: “I am passionate about blending the best of international expertise with local workforces such as that within the city council.

“I believe that successful project delivery comes from strong, mutual relationships and communication across all Games partners.

“I can’t wait to get started on in Birmingham during a time of fantastic opportunity for the city and its residents.”