The hugely experienced sports marketing expert joins from the Coca-Cola Company where he was involved with the strategic planning and operational delivery of Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup sponsorships since 1998 and is currently deputy general manager for its sponsorship of London 2012.

"I am looking forward to joining SportAccord at such an important moment in the development of the organisation," said Gaillard.

"SportAccord is a dynamic structure with enormous potential, leading several ambitious initiatives for the benefit of the international sports movement.

"One of my main tasks will be to consolidate recent developments and, at the same time, further develop multi-sports games and various other initiatives.

"But our focus will always remain to unite and support SportAccord members."

Gaillard was most recently in charge of the Coca-Cola Company's activation of the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games, with a specific responsibility of implementing large-scale sustainability initiatives with several non-governmental organisations.

Prior to joining Coca-Cola he held different sports marketing roles with the National Basketball Association in Switzerland, BBDO Advertising in France and with Adidas in Germany.

SportAccord President Hein Verbruggen said: "We are proud Mr Gaillard has chosen to join SportAccord after many successful years at Coca-Cola.

"SportAccord is a rapidly developing organisation and the range of projects and services is increasing.

"We are convinced that with his professionalism and profound experience, Mr Gaillard is the best person to support SportAccord in facing the challenges that arise.

"He will bring the perfect skill-set and leadership that SportAccord needs today."


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