BERLIN — Japan's Olympic supremo Tsunekazu Takeda has been appointed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) new marketing chief in succession to Gerhard Heiberg, the organization said Tuesday. Takeda, a former Olympian in the sport of equestrianism who is also a member of the Tokyo 2020 Games organizing committee, will oversee the IOC's multi-million dollar sponsorship program. He will also monitor the domestic sponsorship program of the host cities. The 66-year-old replaces experienced Norwegian businessman Heiberg who was praised for his successful running of the commission for 13 years. — Reuters