New Council Programme Director for Games is named
A new Programme Director has been appointed by Birmingham City Council to head-up the local authority’s involvement in the planning, preparation and delivery of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Craig Cooper comes to Birmingham to support the council’s work on the Games with a strong track record in executive leadership, delivering high impact change and transformation strategies for public and private sector organisations on major projects with multi-stakeholder involvement.
He joins the city council from Sopra Steria, a European leader in consulting, digital services and software development.
Prior to that Craig has worked in a range of roles including as a Transformation Director and a Delivery Director for Capita, bringing a wealth of local government experience during his time as Commercial Director at the London Borough of Barnet. Craig has also served in the British Army.
Commenting on his appointment, Craig said: “Birmingham 2022 is set to be the biggest event in the city’s history and has the long-term potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for residents, improve prospects for businesses and reposition the city on the global stage.
“A lot of great work has been done over the last three years to get the city Games-ready, but there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, especially as we move into the next phase of the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
And it is crucial those preparations put in place the building blocks to secure the legacy we can undoubtedly secure from being the Proud Host City. I am excited by the challenge and look forward to getting to work on the council’s role in delivering the Games.”
Craig is set to start work with the city council on May 11.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council added: “In securing Craig’s services we have found someone with a first-rate record on project leadership.
“The staging of the Commonwealth Games and the delivery of the legacy for the people of Birmingham is a complicated challenge, but I am sure he will rise to the challenge, building on the solid platform already in place.
“His wealth of knowledge and expertise from across the public and private sectors brings us a level of insight that will enhance everything we do on the road to Birmingham 2022 and beyond.”
