Halsey has spent more than 11 years within the sports sponsorship industry.

 

He has previously worked within the commercial division at The Football Association and most recently as head of sponsorship for Wembley Stadium.

 

Halsey starts his new role on Monday (August 3) and will report to Tim Hollingsworth, UK Sport’s Director of Policy and Communications.

 

The new role has been created to lead UK Sport’s commercial activity, and in particular to manage all sponsor relations as UK Sport plays an active role in the development of the new Team 2012 commercial sponsorship initiative for Olympic and Paralympic sport.

 

The scheme is described a groundbreaking new partnership between UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association and London 2012 to raise up to £50 million to help Britain prepare for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

 

Team 2012 offers existing London sponsors the chance to use British athletes collectively in their campaigns but while nearly 1,000 athletes have signed the contract, most of the country's leading Olympic names, including Sir Chris Hoy and Christine Ohuruogu, have refused to sign up because they fear it could jeopardise any individual opportunities to sign sponsorship deals.

 

In addition to working on the development and delivery of Team 2012, Halsey will also be responsible for developing the sponsorship strategy for UK Sport in the run up to and post 2012 and for ensuring UK Sport maximises the opportunity for partnerships around its core athlete support programmes, such as talent ID and research and innovation.

 

Hollingsworth said: “Tom could not be joining at a better or more important time in UK Sport’s commercial development.

 

"Until recently we have not been active in seeking private investment, but with the need to ensure that a third stream of income is developed for 2012 and beyond to complement our existing Lottery and Exchequer funding, the imperative is there to ensure we maximise every opportunity.

 

"Team 2012 is a fantastic partnership but it is complex and it needs someone with experience and expertise to handle it for UK Sport.

 

"That is why I am so pleased to have Tom on board.”

 

Halsey said: “I’m delighted to be joining UK Sport at such an exciting time for Olympic and Paralympic sport in this country.

 

"Team 2012 presents a great opportunity for brands to become fully engaged with elite sport in the lead up to London 2012.

 

"Longer term it is clear that UK Sport is uniquely placed to create a number of strong strategic commercial partnerships.

"I’m really looking forward to developing this commercial strategy in conjunction with our key partners and stakeholders.”