Duff has relocated to Colorado Springs from Charlotte, North Carolina. where he served as the managing director of Throttle Motorsports, a marketing agency that represents NASCAR, Indy Car and Formula One race teams for the past three years.

Prior to his tenure at Throttle Motorsports, Duff served as the executive vice-president of distribution for CBS College Sports Network.

"I've always had a passion for sports and am excited to work with USA Weightlifting where we plan to grow the awareness and participation in the sport through innovative marketing and promotional campaigns, increase media coverage and introduce every American to the strongest team in America," said Duff.

"We plan to deliver all the support our athletes need to help them pursue their goals of reaching the Olympic podium.

"All of us in the sport of weightlifting already know what a terrific sport it is – a sport in which the strongest and most powerful athletes in the world compete and use skill, speed and flexibility to accomplish amazing feats."

USA Weightlifting chairman Artie Drechsler was delighted with the appointment.

"John's very special skills and passion will help us to tell the rest of the world how truly phenomenal our athletes are and give them some of the recognition they so richly deserve. We couldn't be more pleased that John has joined the strongest team in America," he said.