London lands Andrew Altman to head 2012 legacy

Today, the man who oversaw some of the most successful regeneration programmes in Philadelphia and Washington DC was named as Chief Executive of the new 2012 legacy delivery company which will lead on securing lasting legacy for the Olympic Park.

Andrew Altman was appointed by the legacy company’s new Chair Baroness Margaret Ford, the Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.

Andrew will lead the new company which the Mayor and the Government agreed to establish to maximise the legacy opportunities from the Olympic Park site. His role will include overseeing the creation of thousands of new homes and jobs, world class sporting, educational and cultural facilities as well as the largest urban park created in Europe for 150 years.

Andrew has an abundance of experience in bringing together the public and private sectors in large scale regeneration schemes. He is the first person to combine the roles of Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Director of Commerce. He is also acclaimed for his previous roles which include planning director for Washington DC and then in heading its Anacostia River waterfront project which reclaimed the US Capital’s riverfront. He also brings private, commercial sector experience having worked for a leading private equity firm in the United States on investments in large scale land development.

Baroness Ford, Chair of the 2012 legacy delivery company, said:

"Andy's appointment is a real coup for the legacy company and the nation as a whole. He brings with him a world class reputation for delivering innovative urban regeneration projects in major cities that connect existing communities and create new ones. His experience in working across both the public and private sectors will be invaluable in securing investment and using it to build a thriving new part of London."

Communities and Local Government Secretary, Hazel Blears said:

"Andrew will be instrumental in ensuring East London has a genuinely lasting legacy from London 2012. His vast experience in leading large scale regeneration projects will prove invaluable in creating a place were people are happy to live and work.

"These Olympic Games are not just about sport, they are about creating a legacy for communities that will benefit people for generations to come."

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:

"Transforming this area in the east of London, first into an Olympic Park and then into a thriving new district of London, is one of the biggest ever single regeneration projects seen in Europe. To meet this huge challenge requires a big hitter and I believe that, in Andrew, we are getting a big hitter with his impressive record in leading and delivering huge development and regeneration projects in some of the largest cities in the US."

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said:

"The Olympic Games are the opening act for the regeneration of East London, and the stage is already being made ready at the Olympic Park.

"Today's appointment of Andrew Altman as Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company shows that we are attracting top talent from around the world to work on London 2012 and beyond and is a significant milestone in ensuring that the lasting legacy of regeneration promised in our 2012 bid is delivered.

"Andrew brings a wealth of experience at leading large-scale development projects including in Philadelphia and Washington DC, credentials which will enable the Company to lead the transformation of this part of East London."

Lord Richard Rogers, a referee of Mr Altman, said:

"Andy's experience in planning major cities such as Washington, Los Angeles and Philadelphia will help to create the vision required to deliver a successful urban regeneration for the area.

"His projects have been met with critical acclaim as they work to breakdown social, economic and physical boundaries. With Andy and Margaret at the helm of the new legacy company, London has the best possible chance of maximising the regeneration opportunities of the 2012 Games."

Andrew spent five years as planning director for Washington DC. Afterwards, he became the first president and chief executive officer of Anacostia Waterfront Corporation - an ambitious regeneration project working alongside Mayor Anthony Williams. The project, which included the planning of a new stadium and arts centre, was nationally heralded by the American Institute of Architects, the American Planning Association and the American Society of Landscape Architects as one of the most innovative urban redevelopment initiatives in the United States.

The Anacostia Waterfront has similarities with the Olympic Park site having been dominated by industrial sites and suffering from a history of deprivation. Mr Altman’s work provided a vision of thousands of news homes, millions of square feet of business space and bringing communities together through socio-economic regeneration.

Andrew Altman said:

"I am extremely privileged to have been selected as Chief Executive for what I believe is one of the most important and dynamic regeneration projects of the century.

"The scale of the Olympics provides an unprecedented opportunity for urban transformation and will leave a lasting benefit for the people of London. I am passionate in putting all of my public and private experience to work in contributing to the further development of one of the world’s greatest cities."