Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 28th September 2012: Yesterday it was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron that British firm VERO Communications, a leading international sports marketing and communications agency, together with its Brazilian office, MLA TRUE Communications and Brazilian sister agency, Approach has been appointed by AECOM in Brazil. AECOM is the global architectural firm responsible for the design of the Olympic and Legacy master plans for both the London and Rio Olympic Parks.

As one of the few firms to design two consecutive Olympic Park master plans, AECOM has been operating in Brazil for the past fifteen years and possesses a strong worldwide reputation within the sports field and urban regeneration. In August 2011 AECOM was awarded the contract to design the master plan for the Rio 2016 Olympic Park following an international competition.

Since its launch in 2006 by Mike Lee OBE, former Director of Communications and Public Affairs for London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, VERO has achieved significant growth, and developed internationally recognised expertise in the business of sport. It has a unique track record working on successful high profile campaigns, including Rio’s 2016 Olympic bid, and VERO continued to work with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee providing media management for Casa Brasil, the official presence of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016 during the London 2012 Games.

As part of its Brazilian growth strategy, VERO’s wholly owned subsidiary, MLA True Communications was established in May 2011 to capitalise on the sports industry opportunities in Brazil ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ and the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. VERO will work with AECOM to define and roll out its communications strategy in Brazil.

Commenting on VERO’s appointment, Bill Hanway, Executive Vice President for Building + Places in the Americas at AECOM, said: “I believe that VERO Communications is the right agency to support our requirements in Brazil as they possess an ideal combination of sporting credentials to lead us in our communications plans and on the ground Brazilian media knowledge and expertise. We are looking forward to the journey ahead and we will be using our learning’s from London and knowledge of the Rio landscape to ensure that we produce a world-class Olympic Park for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Speaking on VERO’s appointment, Mike Lee OBE, VERO Chairman, said: “It is an honour to be working with AECOM, who are at the very heart of planning for the Olympic Park for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and are continuing to grow a strong business in Brazil. As a leading communications agency specialising in the business of sport, VERO has the experience and expertise to support AECOM with its media and stakeholder communications goals in Brazil. AECOM has a great story to tell and we are excited to be working with them to help communicate their innovation, skills and track record.”