Hunt, 44, succeeds Simon Clegg who has moved to become Chef de Mission for Team GB in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics.

 

The appointment was a shock as it had been widely expected that the role would be given to motor racing executive Hugh Chambers.

 

The BOA chairman Colin Moynihan said: "Andrew Hunt has a keen appreciation of the talent and dedication it takes to reach the top in both the business and sporting worlds.

 

"As an outstanding senior executive, he takes the helm of the BOA at a key time in our history.

 

"He is a first-rate leader who defines competition along with proven business expertise at the highest level.

 

"I am confident he will be highly effective with all the stakeholders involved with the BOA and the London 2012 Olympic Games.''

 

Hunt, a keen sailor, moves from Reliance Security, where he was managing of a firm employing 10,000 people.

 

Before that he headed Vertex Financial Services.

 

Hunt said: "I look forward to working with a host nation national Olympic committee which puts the interests of the Olympic athletes as its priority.

 

"I strongly believe in the Olympic movement and I am very enthusiastic about the difference London 2012 can make to the British sporting landscape.''

 

He is due to officially start his new role on Tuesday.