London’s 2012 Olympic Bid will be lead by an American, according to British media sources who expect the announcement to come this week. Barbara Cassani, an executive who launched the British airline GO, must first get the nod from the British Olympic Committee today.
Cassani, 42, was born in Boston and studied at Princeton before working for Coopers and Lybrand in Washington. She later moved to London to work for British Airways.
The Guardian reports that Cassani will be paid £200,000 a year and officials hope that her nationality will be an advantage while promoting London as the most cosmopolitan bid against such other cities as New York and Paris.
As Chairwoman, Cassani’s chief role will be to promote the bid through international lobbying – a talent she has been noted for. Reports also suggest that she is known to be tenacious and determined, invaluable qualities for the position.
Cassani currently resides in London with her husband and two children.
