It is with enormous sadness that the Lee family and VERO Communications announce that Mike Lee passed away on Saturday (8 September) at the age of 61 from a heart attack.
Mike founded VERO Communications in 2006 shortly after London won the right to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He passionately believed in the power of narrative and a campaign style approach to communications and this was evident in the many successful campaigns he helped to steer.
These included bids for Paris 2024 and Rio 2016 Summer Games, Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games, and the inclusion of rugby and surfing in the Olympic Programme, as well as numerous Presidential and brand-building campaigns.
Over the last 12 months, Mike took the conscious decision to step back from the day to day running of VERO to pursue other interests in his life including studying for a Master’s Degree and spending more time pursuing his love of cycling.
Thanks to the legacy of Mike, and the strength of the senior team that has been at the core of the business over the past decade, VERO is well positioned for the future, with clients across the world of sport.
John Zerafa, VERO Director, said:
"My fellow Directors Clair Ashley, Sujit Jasani and I have been incredibly fortunate to have known and worked with Mike over many years. He was a force in communications - always inspiring, challenging and innovative and leaves an indelible legacy in the world of sport. He will be deeply missed by all those who have worked with him, and been advised by him. On behalf of the entire VERO team, our thoughts are with Mike’s wife Heather, his son Alex and step-son Euan."
Prior to VERO, Mike was Director of Communications and Public Affairs for London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid. He was also Director of Communications and Public Affairs for UEFA and media and political strategist for the English Premier League. Voted PR Professional of the Year in 2005, he was awarded an OBE in that year’s New Year’s Honours list and published his book The Race for the 2012 Olympics a year later.
No further comment will be made and the family asks for privacy during this sad time.
25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only
Últimas Noticias
Sinner-Alcaraz, the duel that came to succeed the three phenomenons
Table tennis: Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alexandre will be Olympic and Paralympic in Paris 2024
Rugby 7s: the best player of 2023 would only play the medal match in Paris
Rhonex Kipruto, owner of the world record for the 10000 meters on the road, was suspended for six years
Katie Ledecky spoke about doping Chinese swimmers: “It’s difficult to go to Paris knowing that we’re going to compete with some of these athletes”
