Gibson, a former director of communications for the English Football Association (FA) and head of media and communications for the International Cricket Council (ICC), joined Baku 2015 in February as deputy communications director and took over in an acting capacity following the departure of William Louis-Marie last month.

He has now been officially given the role after Louis-Marie’s sudden resignation and will be in charge in the build-up to the Games, with the start of Europe’s first-ever continental multi-sport event a mere 56 days away.

“I am privileged to have been given such a role in the inaugural European Games,” Gibson said.

“We have recently recruited some excellent people to join an already talented and dedicated team, and between us I am sure we will contribute strongly to the biggest event in Azerbaijan’s history.”

Before embarking on a career largely centred on communications, Gibson was a well-known British sports journalist and he is a former sports editor with The Sunday Telegraph and The Daily Mail.

His appointment comes during a crucial period for Baku 2015 as they enter the final stages of preparations ahead of the event.

Frenchman Louis Marie decided to leave his post for “personal reasons” with 85 days to go before the start of European Games and his announcement shocked the rest of his colleagues.

“I have greatly enjoyed working in Baku, and I have every confidence that the Baku 2015 European Games will be a great success,” he said at the time.

Gibson will now take over with the beginning of Baku 2015 fast approaching and he will be responsible for developing media awareness and coverage of the European Games around the world.

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March 2015: Baku 2015 communications director Louis-Marie resigns "for personal reasons"
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May 2014: Baku 2015 unveil Frenchman as new director of communication