Swraj Paul on London Olympics bid Board

In recognition of his entrepreneurship and versatility, Lord Swraj Paul, British Ambassador for Overseas Business, was appointed on the 'Board of London 2012 Bid for Olympics', on Friday.

Besides Lord Paul, Mary Reilly, Vice-Chair of the Confederation of British Industries, also joined the Board along with the Princess Royal and Olympic gold medallists Sir Steve Redgrave and Matt Pinsent. This was announced by the Chairperson of London 2012 bid, Barbara Cassani.

"The UK bid is strengthened by individuals with formidable experience in their fields. Not only do we have Olympic gold medallists but people with real experience of putting on world-class sporting events.

"With this expertise to hand, London's chances of winning the 2012 Olympic Games have received a massive boost," Cassani said.

"Lord Paul has been a Labour peer since 1996. He is a member of two Parliamentary Select Committees: The European Communities Sub-Committee for Energy, Industry and Transport; and the Monetary Policy of the Bank of England and Economics Affairs Select Committee.

"Lord Paul is chairman of Caparo Industries Plc and is Chancellor of Wolverhampton University. He holds eleven doctorates from England, Switzerland, Russia and USA and is a freeman of the City of London," the announcement said.

From the sporting field, besides Sir Redgrave and Pinsent, the Board also comprises Chairman of the British Paralympic Association, Mike Brace.

Also on the Board is Dalton Grant, the Olympic high jumper and European gold medallist, who works closely with young people encouraging grassroots sports participation.

Bringing with them vast experience gained from the successful Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, Sir Howard Bernstein and Charles Allen also join the Board.

Other members include both Chairman and Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association, Craig Reddie and Simon Clegg respectively; Patrick Carter, Chair of Sport England; Derrick Anderson, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton City Council, and Neale Coleman, Senior Policy Adviser to the Mayor of London.

The Board also includes Barbara Cassani and Mike Power, Chief Operating Officer.

The Board will provide guidance to the executive team, shape strategy and provide insight into the staging of major sporting events.