GLL is a non-profit distributing organisation that runs more than sixty leisure and fitness centres in the UK, including the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, and are one of three shortlisted firms set to operate both the Aquatics Centre and the Multi-Use Arena following the conclusion of the London 2012 Games.

In his new role, Lane will develop a sports strategy for GLL combining the organisation's corporate objectives, the needs of local communities and the priorities of national governing bodies.

He has also been tasked with outlining ways in which to develop GLL's Sport Foundation initiative, which provides funding to young athletes as part of the leisure operator's Olympic legacy strategy.

Lane produced a major shock in February this year when he stepped down as BPA chief executive after ten years in the role just 18 months ahead of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The former headmaster released a statement at the time that said: "With 18 months to go to the Games in London, the staff team at ParalympicsGB is well placed to deliver fantastic support to British Paralympic athletes and ensure their continued success.

"I am looking forward to watching them compete in what promises to be the best Paralympic Games ever.

"This exciting time for British sport is providing an ideal environment for me to pursue new career opportunities and build on the experiences I have gained in the last ten years."

Lane was the Chef de Mission of Great Britain's Paralympic team at the last four Paralympic Games, leading them to second-placed finishes in the medal tables at both Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and Paralympic sport in the UK saw an unprecedented growth in profile under his leadership.

Former UK Sport chief operating officer Tim Hollingsworth was announced as the successor to Lane as the BPA chief executive in May this year in an appointment that was praised by Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson, London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven.

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