Sir Christopher Benson is tasked with regenerating Stratford ahead of the Olympics

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Christopher Benson, has been appointed the chairman of the urban regeneration company Stratford Renaissance Partnership.

A chartered surveyor by background, Benson will be tasked with transforming the rundown east London hub ahead of the Olympics in 2012.

Benson said: “This is a very important stage in the evolution of Stratford. Given the process of unprecedented change, we have some great opportunities to bring a regenerated Stratford onto the world stage.”

Benson was chairman of the proposed £10bn Crossrail London rail link between 2001-04, as well as contractor Costain in the mid-90s. He has also been chairman of retail chain Boots and the London Docklands Development Corporation.

The Stratford Renaissance Partnership was formed by nine public and private sector partners, including the London Development Agency and developer Land Securities.