The 39-year-old Oxford graduate has accepted a new role as director of communications for the hotel chain Travelodge.

Parsons quit the BBC to join the BOA having been overlooked for the job of sports editor - which was given to Daily Telegraph journalist Mihir Bose, who has since left - but failed to make much impression in his communications role.

He was then moved into a new role as director of sport liaison, advising and promoting British athletes and National Governing Bodies.

Parsons, who was also a former sports editor of Sunday Business newspaper and motor racing correspondent of The Sunday Times, served as press attaché with the British team in Vancouver during the Winter Olympics earlier this year but the main role was taken by American Darryl Seibel, the former spokesman for the United States Olympic Committee.

Seibel has since been employed on a permanent basis by the BOA until the London 2012 Olympics.

Andy Hunt, the chief executive of the BOA, said: "Adam has played an important role at the BOA, notably in creating stronger ties between our organisation and the athletes and sports we serve. His experience and knowledge in this regard has been invaluable.

"While we are disappointed to see him depart, we fully support his decision to pursue this new professional opportunity and wish him the very best for continued success in his career."

Parsons said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the British Olympic Association and will leave with many happy memories, especially those that came from working with athletes and my BOA colleagues during the Olympic Winter Games earlier this year.

"The 2012 Olympic Games will be wonderful for Great Britain, and for everyone involved in British Olympic sport, and I wish the BOA the very best of luck for the future.

"And, as a sports fan, I’ll still be cheering on all our athletes, in both summer and winter sports."

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