Birmingham 2022 boss to step down
Neil Carney, Birmingham City Council’s programme director for the Birmingham 2022 is stepping down from his role with the organisation in order to spend more time with his children.
As the most senior officer dedicated to the council’s role in delivering the Commonwealth Games, under Carney’s leadership, the council has secured planning permission for the Commonwealth Games Village and broken ground on the construction element of that scheme.
Work to demolish the Alexander Stadium has also begun, with a planning application submitted for the council-led £72mm revamp of the venue in order for it to become the home of the athletics events and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in the summer of 2022 before becoming a hub for elite sport and grassroots community and leisure activity within a regenerated Perry Barr.
Carney said: “I was honoured to take on the role of programme director and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with dedicated and passionate colleagues during my time at the city council.
“However, my children are still based in Ireland and it has become increasingly difficult to balance work and time with my children. I thought it would be possible but unfortunately that is not the case.
“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a fantastic celebration of everything that is good about the city – and I will definitely be watching from afar as the planning phases turns into delivery and the magnificent legacy the Games will bring for Birmingham.”
The search for a replacement for Carney, says the Council.
Clive Heaphy, acting chief executive of Birmingham City Council, said: “I am sorry to see Neil go. He brought a wealth of experience from previous sporting events and was a calm and reassuring influence at all times.
“His contribution to laying the foundations for a great Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games cannot be underestimated.
“I wish him and his children well in their future endeavours, as he still has much to offer in the sport and events world.”
