Howard Shiplee, who was the redevelopment chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, will develop, lead and manage the construction contracts, budgets and timelines for all permanent and temporary Olympic and Paralympic venues and facilities, and will ensure the effective management, monitoring and delivery of the approved schedule.

“Howard’s work at Ascot has been rightly praised as showcasing British construction at its best – first class facilities delivered to time and to budget," said David Higgins, the chief executive of the ODA.

"His experience will be invaluable in helping to deliver the infrastructure and venues for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as ensure we leave a lasting legacy.”

Shiplee will also be responsible for developing the ODA’s role as an “intelligent client”, which will include construction inspections, workmanship standards, and best practice on site.

He has worked on a substantial number of complex, high profile construction projects and was formerly a director of High Point Rendel, a specialist construction consultancy.

He will join the ODA in September 2006.

“It is a great privilege and challenge to be offered this once in a lifetime opportunity to help deliver the London Games, and I am greatly looking forward to getting down to business at the ODA," said Shiplee