The engineering expert behind the Channel Tunnel will mastermind the building of venues and facilities for the 2012 London Olympics.
American Jack Lemley has been appointed chairman of the new Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said: "His track record of delivering massive and complex projects impressed us most.
"He will bring a wealth of experience to the task of preparing the ground for the world's biggest sporting event."
Lemley said: "It is the ultimate task for any businessman, with the ultimate deadline. I am raring to go.
"And I know how important it is that we have a good working relationship from day one with our trades unions."
From 1989 to 1993, Lemley was chief executive of Transmanche-Link, the consortium of five British and five French companies responsible for constructing and equipping the tunnel, the largest privately-funded construction project in history.
The ODA will come into existence when the London Olympics Bill completes its parliamentary stages, expected to be in the first half of 2006. A chief executive will be named later this month.
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London's big day