THE search began today for a chief executive for the company that will organise the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Adverts have started to appear for the post, which will have an initial salary of £85,000 to £100,000.

The job is being advertised throughout the UK, although the net for the right person will be spread worldwide.

Derek Casey, who masterminded the successful bid to host the Games, will oversee the transition to the new chief executive before standing down.

He previously ruled himself out of the new job.

Mr Casey said: "Other senior appointments will be advertised later in the year but the recruitment of the chief executive is a crucial starting point."

He said the salary reflected the scale of responsibility and had the scope to be increased as the Games deadline grew closer and the job became more complex. It is hoped someone will be in place within a few months.

Glasgow-based firm Munro Consulting is managing the recruitment process.

Managing director Steve Haggerty said the chief executive's role was "hugely exciting and dynamic".

Glasgow won the right to host the Games after winning 47 of the 71 votes at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in Sri Lanka last November.k