Tom Lloyd will join the Vero Communications team in 2017 ©LinkedIn

Leading strategic communications agency Vero have announced the appointment of former journalist Tom Lloyd to boost their team in a year in which they hope to land Paris the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Lloyd, who will start in his new position in January 2017, is currently a digital projects manager and staff writer at SportsPro.

He will bring both "press relations, social media and digital content experience" to the Vero team, it was claimed in a statement today.

"We are delighted that Tom is joining Vero," said the company's chairman Mike Lee. 

"He brings excellent writing skills, a detailed understanding of the sports and media industries and significant experience in the creation and use of digital content and social media. 

"He is a great addition to our team, particularly as we continue to expand Vero’s digital media expertise to our broad and growing international client base."

Vero are the main communications agency for Paris 2024 as the French capital contests a three-horse race with Budapest and Los Angeles before a vote at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lima on September 13.

Paris' bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the priority for Vero, headed by Mike Lee, in 2017 ©Getty Images
Paris' bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the priority for Vero, headed by Mike Lee, in 2017 ©Getty Images

The British-based company currently work for a range of other clients including the International Cycling Union (UCI), the World Olympians Association and the International Surfing Association. 

Since being set-up by former London 2012 bid communications director Lee, Vero have also worked on Rio de Janeiro and Pyeongchang's successful bids to host the 2016 and 2018 Summer and Winter Olympics respectively.

They supported Brian Cookson when he beat Pat McQuaid to become UCI President in 2013 and then Sebastian Coe when he triumphed over Sergey Bubka in last year's campaign to lead the International Association of Athletics Federations.

Vero also aided Gianni Infantino’s successful campaign to be elected as FIFA President earlier this year.

This year has proved bittersweet, however, as they have also been involved in unsuccessful campaigns for Didier Gailhaguet, John McEwen and Carlo Croce as they sought respective Presidential positions at the International Skating Union, International Equestrian Federation and World Sailing.

Croce, as the incumbent, suffered a particularly surprising loss to Denmark's Kim Andersen in last month's World Sailing contest.

"Through my work at SportsPro and knowledge of the sports industry I have always admired Vero's work and track-record," Lloyd added.

"Their credibility, success and professionalism make this a very exciting move for me."