Doha 2020 announced Wednesday it has appointed Vero Communications and Andrew Craig, Chairman of The Craig Company, a senior adviser in sports marketing and international relations, as lead advisers to its bid for the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sheikh Saoud bid Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice President of Doha 2020 said, “we are delighted to have both Vero and Andrew Craig advising and supporting us in what we hope will be an historic campaign”.
The Vero team will be led by Chairman Mike Lee, with senior consultants John Zerafa and Sujit Jasani.
He added, “Mike Lee and his Vero team have an unparalleled track record helping cities and nations successfully bid for mega sports events and they know our passion for sport, having worked with the QOC and Qatar’s successful World Cup bid.
“Allied to Andrew Craig’s top level expertise in sports marketing and international relations, this is a great combination and a boost to our bid”.
Craig has been on three winning Olympic bids – Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014. He has also advised the sport of golf during its successful campaign to become an Olympic sport.
Noora Al-Mannai, Doha 2020 CEO said, “I am absolutely delighted that we gave secured the skills and expertise of both Vero and Andrew Craig. We have already started building our Doha bid team and it is great to have people of genuine credibility in the international business of sport advising our project”.
Qatar 2020 said it will be making further announcements soon on appointments and how the bid will be structured.
Mike Lee, Vero Chairman said, “this is an exciting time for Qatar and the Middle East and to have the opportunity to play a part in helping to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the region for the first time is very special. Doha 2020 has made a very strong start with visionary and talented leadership and we are proud to be part of the campaign and team”.
Craig said of his appointment, “I am honoured to be working with Doha 2020. This bid has tremendous potential to deliver something amazing for Qatar, the Middle East and the Olympic Movement. As we move forward there will be many opportunities to communicate the vision, plans and genuine legacy of the Doha bid”.
