London: As a recognition of his entrepreneurship and versatility, Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Lord Swraj Paul, British Ambassador for Overseas Business, was on September 13 appointed on the Board of London 2012 Bid for Olympics.

Besides Lord Paul, Mary Reilly, Vice Chair of the Confederation of British Industries, also joined the Board along with The Princess Royal and Olympic gold medallists Sir Steve Redgrave and Matt Pinsent, it was announced by the chairperson of London 2012 bid Barbara Cassani.

"The UK bid is strengthened by individuals with formidable experience in their fields. Not only do we have Olympic gold medallists but people with real experience of putting on world-class sporting events."

"With this expertise on hand, London's chances of winning the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games have received a massive boost," Cassani said.

"Lord Paul has been a Labour peer since 1996. He is a member of two Parliamentary Select Committees: The European Communities Sub-Committee for Energy, Industry and Transport; and the Monetary Policy of the Bank of England and Economics Affairs Select Committee.

"Lord Paul is chairman of Caparo Industries and is Chancellor of Wolverhampton University. He holds eleven Doctorates from England, Switzerland, Russia and USA and is a freeman of the city of London," the announcement said.

PTI