Vicente Neto has been announced as the new president of Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Institute) in place of Flávio Dino, who left the post to run for the government of Maranhão in the upcoming October elections.

Neto was previously working as a special advisor to Flavio Dino.

The move comes at an interesting time, with the FIFA World Cup 2014 just a few weeks away, and preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics coming under increased scrutiny.

Preparations for the 2016 Games were descried as the “worst” ever seen, by International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates during a recent visit, putting additional pressure on the city to deliver.

Born in Bahia, Neto was national secretary for sport, education, leisure and social inclusion, after having held the position of chief of staff within the ministry of sport.

He was also secretary for culture, sport and leisure for the municipal government of Lauro de Freitas and secretary for urban planning and economic development for São Sebastião do Passé.

The-48 year-old, holds a degree in law and post-graduate degree in management, and worked at the Federal University of Bahia for just under 30 years.