By Duncan Mackay at the Fairmont Flame Towers Hotel in Baku

Darryl Seibel in front of Team GB logoOctober 29 - Darryl Seibel has been appointed director of communications for the inaugural European Games here in 2015, it was announced here today.


But he will continue in his current role at the British Olympic Association (BOA) as director of communications and Olympic media strategy until after Sochi 2014, dividing his time between the two. 

Seibel joins a growing list of Americans employed by the Azerbaijan organisers, including Jim Scherr, appointed chief operating officer by Baku 2015 in May.

Seibel worked as chief communications officer for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) under Scherr from 2003 until 2009.

The New Mexico State University graduate, who was also involved in Chicago's unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, will be splitting his time between now and the end of Sochi 2014 in Baku and London.

Darryl Seibel formerly worked with the United States Olympic CommitteeDarryl Seibel formerly worked with the United States Olympic Committee

Seibel had joined the BOA in November 2009 and was widely praised for implementing the successful communications plan for London 2012, where Team GB finished third overall in the medals table with a total of 65 medals, including 29 gold.

Sochi 2014 will Seibel's ninth Olympic Games since his first at Barcelona 1992.

"I will continue to oversee communications for Team GB through until the end of Sochi 2014 while transitioning to my new role with Baku 2015" Seibel told insidethegames

"Working for the BOA the past four years has been an absolute privilege and I want to thank [BOA chairman] Seb [Coe] for all of his support.

"In addition, I want to thank [Azerbaijan] Sports Minister Rahimov and Jim Scherr for the opportunity to join their team.

"It's not often you have an opportunity to contribute to the development of an inaugural international event, and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Seibel's responsibilities at Baku 2015 will include communications, media strategy and digital media, as well as working closely with the broadcasting, marketing and National Olympic Committee relations departments.

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