BADMINTON England today announced the appointment of their new Head of Major Events & Competition.

Nicola Moloney will lead one of the most exciting programmes of Major Events in the run up to the Olympic Games in 2012 and the delivery of the long term strategy of events in this country. She will also lead the domestic calendar catering for the ever growing number of people playing badminton in England.

Following Darren Parks' departure to the Badminton World Federation, Chief Executive Adrian Christy moved quickly to make an appointment and is delighted to have secured someone with Nicola's credentials.

He said: "We are all tremendously excited at the prospect of hosting such a portfolio of Major Events over the next couple of years, including the 100th Yonex All England Championships in March, the European Championships in April and, of course, the World Championships in August 2011.

"Nicola brings great experience to the Team as well as tremendous  enthusiasm for badminton and the role she will lead. She will be a great asset to the organisation and we look forward to having her on board."

Nicola has worked as an Event Manager for Manchester City Council since 2004 where she has played a key role in a number of National, European and World events, including the National Badminton Championships, National Squash Championships, Euro Hockey, Paralympic World Cup and the World Squash Championships. She was also the Event Director for the recent World Series Netball, which drew global acclaim for its presentation.

 And Nicola is equally pleased to be joining BADMINTON England. "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on this exciting challenge," she said.

"I have gained great experience with Manchester City Council and the sports I have worked with and this couldn't have come at a better time for me with badminton hosting some tremendous events as well as the growing number of domestic tournaments.

"I very much look forward to working with the staff and volunteers and leading the Team through and new and dynamic era".

 Nicola's first day will be Monday, January 4.