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A Nike executive who specialises in boosting participation in sports around the world has been appointed as Sadiq Khan’s first walking and cycling commissioner.

Will Norman, currently global partnerships director at the sports giant, will be tasked with getting more Londoners out of cars and onto bikes and their feet.

He will work with Transport for London to invest £770 million on new cycling infrastructure and pedestrian schemes across the capital, making both safer.

The walking and cycling czar will for the first time be a full-time role, with a salary of £98,000 a year. The Mayor had originally planned a part-time appointment, as existed under Boris Johnson.

Mr Norman, who cycles in London every day, is not well known on the cycling circuit but has broad experience of getting people from all backgrounds more active.

Before joining Nike in 2013, where he has worked with a range of international organisations including the World Health Organisation and the International Olympic Commitee, he set up a social research consultancy and was also director of research at the Young Foundation, which promotes social equality.

Mr Khan said: “Will Norman brings to this new role an impressive track record in delivering major international projects to get more people active.

“As the first ever full-time commissioner, he will be able to make a substantial difference getting Londoners of all ages and backgrounds walking and cycling more – improving our city for everyone.”

Mr Norman added: “Cycling and walking can play a transformational role in improving our health and happiness, and building better communities for everyone.”

Mr Khan was buffeted by accusations of cronyism over the appointment of his Night Czar Amy Lame, a Labour Party fundraiser and member, when it emerged that her appointment was made through a personal services company, which critics said was usually a way of avoiding paying tax.

However, the Standard understands that Mr Norman is not currently a member of the Labour Party, although he has been in the past, and was not known to Mr Khan before he applied for the job. His salary will be paid directly by TfL.