The 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) has appointed former Executive Manager for Corporate Communications at South African Airways Rich Mkhondo as the committee's Chief Communications Officer.

Mkhondo joins the LOC from Ogilvy Public Relations (OPR) Worldwide/South Africa, where he was Managing Director. Prior to joining Ogilvy, Mkhondo was deputy General Manager for marketing services at Discovery, South Africa’s largest life and health insurance giant.

"For me it’s an important opportunity to help put our country and our continent on the map. It’s an opportunity, if given the chance, nobody would want to miss," said Mkhondo.

He added: "I look forward to working with the football fraternity and with the team at the Organising Committee to make sure we communicate our readiness to host the world's biggest showpiece. It's a challenge I relish and I look forward to being part of the biggest sporting event in the world."

LOC Chief Executive Danny Jordaan has welcomed Mkhondo's appointment.

"We are delighted to have Rich Mkhondo join the Organising Committee team. He is an outstanding journalist with extensive experience and is well-equipped for the job of Chief Communications Officer," said Jordaan.

"Things are really shaping up well as we prepare for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup and we look forward to Rich leading the team that will keep the media and public well informed about developments, while catering for the needs of the local and international media and supporting our marketing efforts," concluded Jordaan.