Golden 25 - Rio 2016 Chiefs #17

12/23/2011

17 – Rio 2016 Chiefs

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, 69, president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee, comes into his final year as an IOC member but still commands tremendous loyalty within the Olympic Movement. As organizing committee president, he's also the best-known figure associated with the 2016 Olympics. In 2012, he'll have the transfer of knowledge from London 2012 to Rio 2016 scheduled for Nov. 14-21. Before then, Nuzman and others will take part in the IOC Observer Program at the London Olympics. On the organizing side, Rio 2016 will also have to deliver its master schedule, finalize its organization matrix and deliver a first draft of a security plan as well as other responsibilities big and small for the organizing committee.

As president of the Olympic Public Authority, Henrique Meirelles arguably has a more complex task for the Games. The 66-year-old former central banker for Brazil will have to oversee multiple construction projects that will take place throughout sprawling Rio de Janeiro. The city has some of the most daunting construction work ahead for any recent Olympic host. He is now the point man for Olympic organizers who need to interface with Brazilian governments. As APO president, he coordinates the work of the federal government and the work done by the Rio state and municipal governments.

Among the many construction tasks for Rio are an overhaul of the city’s international airport, pacification and demolishing of its numerous slums and the ongoing public transportation improvement throughout Rio.

Some observers have pointed out that even with four years remaining, Rio is running out of time to prepare for the Games. Benefitting both Merielles and Nuzman, however, is the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which will help accelerate works related to the Games.

Last year's ranking: Nuzman (16); Merielles (none)

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Written by Ed Hula III and Mark Bisson.

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