By Tom Degun

Andrew Altman_19-06-12June 19 - Andrew Altman, the chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), has revealed he will leave his high profile role in August following the London 2012 Olympic Games in what is a shock announcement.

The American played a leading role in helping secure the legacy for the Olympic Park in Stratford since joining the organisation in 2009, when it was the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC).

In his three years, Altman (pictured above and below, second right) has been responsible for creating a new master plan for 10 million square feet of development and five new residential neighbourhoods, securing over £400 million ($625 million/€496 million) for infrastructure, programming and regeneration, as well as securing post-Games operators for major venues including the Aquatics Centre.

However, the future of the Olympic Stadium remains uncertain after the high profile decision to award the venue to West Ham United was reversed following a legal complaint and the LLDC have now reopened the process.

"It has been a tremendous honour to lead this once-in-a-lifetime project that will transform the face of London and will be a spectacular example of city-building the world over," Altman said.

"I am proud to have been able to set the table with a clear vision, resources and commercial investment.

"It is now the perfect time to transition the project to one focused on construction, so there will no disruption after the Games in implementing the legacy vision we have crafted.

"I especially want to thank Mayor Boris Johnson for his support and leadership without which this could not have been achieved."

R-L Margaret_Anne_Ford_Baroness_Ford_Chairman_of_the_London_2012_Olympic_Park_Legacy_Company_board_members_Andrew_Altman_Keith_Edelman_and_David_Edmunds_19-06-12
This latest move spells a complete change in leadership at the organisation after chair Baroness Margaret Ford (pictured above, far right) announced earlier this year that she would leave her role after London 2012.

Her decision came amid the controversial change of direction at the OPLC where it changed into the LLDC in a restructuring that means they are directly overseen by the Mayor of London.

Daniel Moylan, who will replace Baroness Ford as chair of the LLCD, has praised the work of Altman.

"Andy Altman has made a huge personal contribution to the future of the Olympic Park and we thank him for putting us in such a strong position," Moylan said.

"We now begin the recruitment process to find a successor to lead the corporation through its vital next phase."

Moylan also revealed that Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) chief executive Dennis Hone will take up the position on an interim basis until a permanent successor to Altman is found.

"While this happens, Dennis Hone, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, has agreed to make himself available part-time as interim chief executive, with the agreement of the ODA, to support the corporation's management," Moylan added.

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