Magic Johnson appointed for LA 2024 push

United States Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Scott Blackmun added, we are thrilled that Gene Sykes has agreed to join America’s bid to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Los Angeles.

Sykes, who was on the rowing team at Harvard, spoke of new ideas and the spirit of California companies such as Apple in discussing LA’s attraction as an Olympic host city.

Sykes stepped down as co-head of M&A earlier this year and had also served as co-chairman of the technology, media and telecom banking team.

“I was here for the 1984 Games, and I saw a city that was united and honoured to welcome the world”. As CEO, Sykes will work closely with Mayor Eric Garcetti, LA 2024 Chairman Casey Wasserman and the United States Olympic Committee and supervise all aspects of LA 2024’s day-to-day operations and activities. Johnson says in a statement that Los Angeles is “the best sports town in America”. Johnson and Durazo will join four-time Olympic champion swimmer Janet Evans on the bid’s board of directors. It has an advantage with its proposed bid because of existing infrastructure and facilities from the 1984 Games.

Los Angeles is bidding to host the Olympics for a third time after staging the Games in 1932 and 1984.

LA 2024 Chairman Casey Wasserman said, “we’re fortunate to have Gene Sykes join our team and put his considerable management skills and financial expertise to work for us”.

After retiring, Johnson became a successful businessman and part owner of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers but is equally well known in Los Angeles for his philanthropic efforts.

“Mayor [Eric] Garcetti and Casey Wasserman have done a very good job of tapping into both LA’s Olympic heritage and its thriving modern sports scene, and we look forward to working with all of the leaders of LA 2024 to return the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the United States”, he said.

Sykes said he is unconcerned that his work with the bid will be unpaid.

The City of Angels was selected in September, along with Budapest, Hamburg, Paris and Rome, after Boston withdrew their bid due to costs.

“Gene is a strong leader and we’ve always valued his advice at Apple”, said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.