The work of Public relations agency Bell Pottinger will be supported by Chime’s sport and sponsorship division, Fast Track, through their operation in Spain. 

 

Fast Track already are working on several accounts linked the 2012 Olympics.

 

Bell Pottinger, also part of Chime Communications, is the UK’s no1 PR agency and has a track record of supporting prestigious sporting events and successful bid working.

 

Lord Bell, who led the pitch for the business, will provide senior counsel alongside Bell Pottinger Chairman Kevin Murray and Fast Track chairman Alan Pascoe, the 1972 Olympic silver medallist who was also the vice-chairman of London's successful bid to host the 2012 Games.

 

Bell Pottinger and Fast Track also supported communications for the winning bids for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, South Africa 2010 World Cup, London 2012 Olympics, Glasgow 2014. Global clients include McDonald’s, Honda, Emirates, BMW and McLaren.

 

Major sporting events promoted by Bell Pottinger and Fast Track include the Wimbledon Championships, the Paralympic World Cup, Volvo Round the World Yacht Race and PGA Golf.

 

Bell Pottinger Business & Brand Managing Director Kevin Read will act as project co-director together with Ignacio Diaz, Fast Track Spain Managing Director.

 

Former ITN Head of Sport Malcolm Munro leading on international media relations supported in Spain by Pedro L. Gonzalez, Communications Director and Antonio Quilez as the consultancy director.

 

Madrid 2016 chief executive Mercedes Coghen said: “We are delighted to have secured such a prestigious and internationally renowned agency to support our bid. 

 

“The international competition to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2016 will begin in earnest in June and Bell Pottinger and Fast Track will play an important strategic role in shaping our story and advising on how our messages will be heard by those who matter. “

 

Bell Pottinger chairman Kevin Murray said: “Madrid ’s bid for the 2016 Olympics is second to none and is it an honour to be able to help one of the great capitals of the world past the winning line.” 

 

Several other British-based companies are working on 2016 bids, including Vero Communications, led by former London 2012 head of communications Mike Lee, who is advising Doha.