Hull City of Culture 2017: Martin Green named chief executive

The man behind the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies has been chosen to deliver Hull's City of Culture programme in 2017.

Martin Green has been appointed chief executive of the company responsible for the year-long programme of artistic events.

Mr Green said he hoped to deliver an "inspirational" programme for the city.

Hull was awarded the title in November and intends to spend £18m on more than 1,500 events in 2017.

'Rare talent'

Mr Green, who will begin work in October, said: "I'm here because it's Hull.

"With its great cultural heritage and its ambition to use culture to transform perceptions of the city and the lives of local people, Hull embodies what being UK City of Culture is all about."

Mr Green also oversaw the torch relays ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and acted as the executive producer of the Tour de France's opening ceremony in Leeds.

Rosie Millard, chair of UK City of Culture 2017, said: "Martin is exactly the kind of person we had in mind for this role, right from the start.

"We needed someone who had not only run high-profile events on a huge scale, but who also had that rare talent for identifying and conveying the true qualities of a place, the quirks, the strengths, the passions that have developed through generations to give a place its unique character."

Hull City Council claims the event could bring more than £60m into the local economy and generate 7,500 new jobs.