Race to find Olympics body CEO gathers pace

The headhunter who will handle the appointment of the chief executive officer (CEO) for London's Olympic and Paralympic Games has been appointed.

Odgers Ray & Berndtson will recruit the CEO who will run the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG). Adverts were also posted in the national press last week for that position and that of the chairman. Both offer six-figure salaries.

London 2012 chairman Seb Coe said: "The CEO role is probably the most important role in the organisation.

"We are looking for a visionary leader.  A CEO that has exceptional team building and leadership qualities, a track record in leading large complex organisations, a passion for sport and a commitment to the long term legacy of the Games."

The LOCOG CEO will be responsible for developing a plan and budget consistent with the seven-year Olympic Development Plan and for delivering an exceptional Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Once the new CEO has been appointed the search can begin for a head of procurement, although the London Development Agency has admitted this is unlikely to be at least until the new year.