Former Wrestler Becomes Permanent Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014

September 7, 2011

David Grevemberg is officially the new permanent chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games following the resignation of John Scott earlier this year.

Grevemberg has been acting chief executive for a while since Scott quit his £179,000 ($286,000) role in June after he admitted to breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

The American was chosen following a worldwide search by recruitment specialists Odgers Berndston.

They contacted more than 150 people, spanning all five continents and across 30 sports to produce the shortlist.

In the end, 34 applications were received and a short list of seven drawn up before Grevemberg was chosen.

Lord Smith, the chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: “We started our global search to look for a dynamic leader who would inspire and motivate the Organising Committee with an in-depth knowledge of what we are about and we are delighted to have found the best person for the job. David has demonstrated through his work and in the interview process an unrivalled understanding of the role and passion for delivering an outstanding Games.

“David brings with him a wealth of experience in multi-sport games, both as an athlete, spectator and organiser and has progressed rapidly since his appointment as Director of Operations in October 2009.
We are very lucky to have such a naturally talented leader in the team and we look forward to a successful Games in 2014.”

Before joining Glasgow 2014, Grevemberg’s role was the executive director of sport and international federation relations at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), where he also served as Sports Director from 1999 to 2007.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead such an amazing team, driven by passion for sport and a commitment to bring what will be an outstanding Games to our great city of Glasgow and all of Scotland,” said Grevemberg, who is from New Orleans.

“Every day is a day closer to the Opening Ceremony, and another day we can’t get back. We cannot afford to miss a beat and I am confident of leading this team and working with our Games partners to successfully achieve our goals.”

The Georgia State University graduate is a former top-level wrestler who represented the Untied States before being forced to quit at the age of 24 due to a knee injury which ended his dream at competing at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

His main task in the short term will be to stabilise things at Glasgow following the sudden and controversial departure of Scott, an Englishman. 

Shona Robinson, Scotland’s Minister for Sport and the Commonwealth Games, said:”David brings a high level of experience of organising multisport events to the post and will make a real and positive impact on the delivery of Glasgow 2014. With less than three years to go, this is an exciting time on the journey towards 2014. The priority now for the Organising Committee is to continue the successful delivery of the Games which remain on time, on budget and on track be a fantastic event for all of Scotland.”

Grevemberg’s first role in his permanent position will be to unveil the first Glasgow 2014 sponsor at a special ceremony at Hampden Park on Thursday (September 8).

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) welcomed news of Grevemberg’s appointment.

Mike Hooper, the CGF chief executive, said: “David is well known to the CGF through his excellent work at the International Paralympic Committee. He has done a great job in his various roles at Glasgow 2014 and I am delighted with his appointment. 

“I am confident David will lead the Organising Committee in a thoroughly professional manner and we look forward to working with him and his team to deliver an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”