David Campbell: "I will deliver"

He said he hoped the appointment of David Campbell to the post would boost the city's chances of hosting the Olympics Games.

Mr Livingstone justified Mr Campbell's �250,000 salary, saying if London is to land the world's biggest sporting event in 2012, it needs to improve its tourism policy.

Mr Campbell has worked with Pepsi and was the chief executive of Virgin Radio before holding the same post with Chris Evans' Ginger Media Group.

Mr Livingstone said: "Tourists that will come to enjoy the Olympics are not just going to stay at the Olympics.

"They are going to go out in the evenings and he [David Campbell] will be integral to drawing up that strategy for the Olympic bid."

Mr Campbell said he was very confident that he will be able to help London get the Games by bringing in more visitors.

"It's all in the results," he told BBC London.

"I've delivered before and I'm pretty sure I can deliver again."