Nine Network and Ese The Agency: Paris 2024 Olympic Games

As Managing Director of ESE The Agency, I was involved, along with the Nine Network, in selecting Intelligent Risks (IR) for this complex security and safety support role. We were aware IR has been involved in planning and delivery for 11 Olympics, including doing the security planning for the Paris 2024 bid for the French Government. Additional to that, ESE The Agency has worked with IR on other international major events including the London 2012 Olympics.

The IR team for Paris 2024 reported directly to me in relation to the safety and security of the Nine Network’s Corporate Hospitality program that involved over 130 VIP guests and our dedicated staff. In relation to their safety and security coordination of Nine Network’s publishing, broadcasting and streaming cohorts I was also one of their direct reports.

The program developed and implemented by IR was an outstanding success. The IR program involved pre-event advance planning – safety and security surveys of work places, venues and several accommodation sites in Paris and other locales (i.e. Marseilles, Rouen etc). The IR team developed a comprehensive Security Risk Assessment (SRA) for the various deployments, a Crisis and Incident Management Plan and coordinated a pre-games Incident Management Exercise that involved staff from all functional areas deploying to France.

During the Games, the IR team responded promptly and professionally to all safety and security incidents including threats to personnel – the assault of two technicians and the sabotage of critical broadcast infrastructure.

The IR team made a significant contribution to the success of the Nine Network’s involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympics; a complex and resource intensive set of activities.

LEON SPELLSON
Managing Director, ESE The Agency