Reporting to the Director of Culture, Ceremonies and Education, Bill Morris, Khan's role will see him take responsibility for the shaping and implementation of the Cultural Olympiad which begins following the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games. 

 

The Cultural Olympiad will include UK-wide activities and initiatives from a wide cultural remit.

 

A member of Arts Council England’s National Council, Khan began his career producing costumes for the Notting Hill Carnival and Trinidad Carnival. 

 

He was also part of the creative team that produced the Millennium Dome’s opening ceremony before going on to be director of design ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002. 

 

He was also artistic director for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commonwealth celebrations. 

 

Khan joins LOCOG  from Rich Mix, East London’s cultural and Heritage centre, where he was Chief Executive.

 

Morris said: “Keith will be a fantastic asset to London 2012 and to all our aspirations for an outstanding Cultural Olympiad.

 

"He has an extremely rich and diverse background, he’s contributed to some of our greatest national events and he cares passionately about innovative popular culture that has real impact for vast numbers of people.

 

"Best of all, he’s hugely creative and will bring his own special quality to our cultural plans.”

 

Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said: “Culture is absolutely at the heart of our vision for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. 

 

"We look forward to welcoming Keith to the team.”

 

Jude Kelly, chair for culture, ceremonies and education, who earlier in the week had backed calls for a Commons debate on National Lottery money being diverted from the arts to help fund the Olympics, said: "Keith has won the admiration and respect of the cultural sector for his excellent artistic work and his continuous engagement in the life of the UK’s many communities.

 

"I think this is a very exciting appointment. "

 

Khan said: “Working with Bill and his team at London 2012 is a tremendously exciting opportunity and I look forward to starting. 

 

"I have a real passion about culture and creativity – and its value to a wide audience. 

 

"I know that with the full support of LOCOG and the unique cultural and creative sector, we will be able to take this Cultural Olympiad further than ever before.”

 

He will begin to work at LOCOG at the beginning of June.