Richard (pictured above) brings with him 12 years of experience in marketing, having spent a decade as the director of communications for Swimming Canada.

During his time at Swimming Canada Richard has been responsible for helping to secure long term national broadcast partnerships, as well as launching SwimCAN WebTV.

He was also recently named Swimming World Magazine's sport information "Director of the Year" for 2012.

Pierre Lafontaine, the Swimming Canada chief executive, lamented Richard's departure.

"He is a tireless advocate for the athletes and the coaches and he will help position the Canadian Paralympic Committee and its members on the front pages for the world to see," he said.

Richard will be responsible for increasing awareness of the Canadian Paralympic teams and disability sport in general in Canada.

The CPC expressed their hope that he would help them become the world's leading Paralympic nation.

"The Canadian Paralympic Committee is excited to welcome Martin to the Canadian Paralympic Team," said CPC chief executive Henry Storgaard.

"He is an energetic, strategic thinker with a strong background in broadcast and social media who will provide leadership to the growth of the Paralympic Movement.

"These attributes were ably demonstrated during the highly successful Olympic and Paralympic swim trials in Montreal earlier this year."

Richard said: "I'm very excited about this opportunity to join the Canadian Paralympic Committee and help build on the momentum which started with a home Games in Vancouver in 2010.

"The Paralympic Movement in Canada is entering into a golden age and to be a part of that is an incredibly exciting prospect.

"I'm truly grateful for the wonderful years with Swimming Canada in working with outstanding athletes, coaches, partners, staff and volunteers."

Richard begins his new role on August 20 after he has finished his work with the swimming team at London 2012.

He will therefore join the CPC just over a week before the start of the Paralympic Games.

Richard has been to three Olympic Games, four World Championships, two Commonwealth Games and a Pan American Games.

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