21 April 2015 

UK Athletics has today announced two key roles for the London World Athletics Championships in 2017.

Chris Denny will join the organisation as Head of Marketing and Communications, while Michael Beloff QC takes up the post of Honorary Legal Adviser as London prepares to make history by hosting back-to-back World Championships in two years time.

Denny, formerly Head of Marketing for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will join the organisation following four successful years at British Swimming and the Amateur Swimming Association, where he was responsible for the marketing, communications and ticketing functions.  

On his appointment, Denny said: “It’s a great honour to be a part of such a fantastic event five years on from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I have no doubt that London 2017 will continue to showcase the UK’s potential in hosting and delivering world-class events.

“Hosting back to back World Championships is going to be a big challenge, but one that I feel as a team we are capable of delivering with resounding success.” 

Beloff was named in The Times Law 100 2012 listing of the most influential lawyers in Britain and will take up the post as Honorary Legal Adviser to London 2017. In a distinguished career, which has seen him work as an advocate, arbitrator and judge, Beloff was also the President of Trinity College, Oxford for 10 years between 1996 and 2006. He has also held various positions including Ethics Commissioner for the London 2012 bid, the Chairman of the IAAF Ethics Commission and membership of the Court of Arbitration for Sport since 1996.

Beloff, who has attended seven Olympic Games and 10 World Championships commented: “I’ve been fortunate to be a follower of the sport for more than half a century and witnessed many iconic moments in track and field. I am certain that London 2017 shall be another occasion for stellar performances in track and field and that British competitors will bring back memories of ‘Super Saturday’ in London 2012  adding lustre to the legend of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. I look forward enthusiastically to my new role.”

Sally Bolton, the Managing Director of London 2017 added: “I am delighted to welcome Chris and Michael on board and I am relishing the opportunity to work alongside two people, who will add tremendous value to the championships.”

The Organising Committee is delivering the IAAF World Championships and the IPC Athletics World Championships on behalf of UK Athletics, the Greater London Authority and UK Sport, supported by Department for Culture Media and Sport, after both were awarded to London in 2011 and 2012.