Sports industry veteran Kit McConnell has been appointed as chief sports officer at the organizing committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
McConnell, who has dual Australian and New Zealand citizenship, will begin his new role on July 21 with his IOC tenure set to come to an end on June 30.
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He has been the chief sports officer at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the last 11 years, joining the Olympic body in early 2014. Before that, he spent time as Rugby World Cup tournament director (for three editions) at what was then the International Rugby Board.
This followed an initial stint at the IOC, as manager of sport relations, while he was also involved as part of the organizing committee for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
The Brisbane 2032 body has said his appointment “follows an extensive global search” that saw a range of both national and international candidates interested.
Brisbane was officially confirmed as the host city for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in July 2021.
McConnell said: “I have fond memories of my time working as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organising Committee and I never thought I’d have another chance to be part of a second ‘home Games’. The honor and opportunity are immense.
“The governance, strategy, and Games Plan are embedded, and I have no doubt we will deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games for Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia to be proud of, promoting equality and inclusion across athletes, and an unrivaled Games experience for participants and fans alike. I can’t wait to get started.”
Andrew Liveris, president of Brisbane 2032, added: “The fact that Brisbane 2032 has been able to secure the IOC Sports Director to lead our sport function is a huge coup. The time is right for this appointment, as the development of the 2032 sport program is a priority over the next 12-18 months.”
In terms of Brisbane 2032 activity, late last month Greg Norman was appointed to the organising committee.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chose Norman to join the 24-member committee, including Olympic gold medalists Jessica Fox and Natalie Cook, and Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.
In addition to winning 20 PGA Tour tournaments and two majors, Norman has extensive experience in sports management and business development, as seen in his role in establishing the LIV Golf League in 2021, and via his business portfolio.
Last August, the organizing committee also announced the appointment of Francois-Xavier Bonnaillie as its chief commercial officer.
A total budget for the event is yet to be finalized.
