David Leather Appointed COO of Glasgow 2014

David Leather has been appointed as the Chief Operations Officer by Glasgow 2014, replacing Ralph Ord.

Leather was a key figure in the successful delivery of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, leading the Manchester team through much of the planning phase.

He also played an important part in setting up the Olympic Delivery Authority for London 2012 and now joins the Organising Committee (OC) on secondment from Ernst & Young who is a sponsor for Glasgow 2014.

Leather said: “Glasgow 2014 offers a unique opportunity for me to invest my energies and experience in delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games.

“I’m proud of what we achieved at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 and I’m delighted to be part of what I know will be a truly memorable event in Scotland.

“I’ve been greatly impressed by the enthusiasm and expertise in the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and I look forward to being part of the team.”

Announcing David Leather’s appointment David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 said: “I am delighted that someone of David’s calibre and unrivalled reputation is joining the Glasgow 2014 team at this vital operational stage in our journey to delivering an outstanding multi-sports Games.

“We look forward immensely to having him as part of a team which is committed to ensuring the Commonwealth Games are a success story for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth.”

Grevemberg went on to thank Ord for his role, after he left by mutual agreement: “I thank Ralph for his contribution to the delivery of the Games. As the Games are now entering a vital operational phase it is essential that we progress with a cohesive and consolidated team in place as we continue to work towards delivery of an outstanding Commonwealth Games for Glasgow and Scotland.

“The final 12 months is a critical time in delivery terms of any multi sports Games and Ralph has worked to ensure we are in a positive place from which to focus our energies and efforts on creating an athlete centred, sports focused Games of which the nation can be proud.”

Ord went on to add: “The delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is gaining momentum every day and I have been impressed by the passion and professionalism of a team committed to the delivery of an outstanding Games.

“I wish David and the team every success in the task ahead and I have every confidence Glasgow and Scotland’s Games will be an excellent experience for athletes, spectators and viewers across the world.”

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will take place between 23 July and 3 August 2014.