Allen named Olympic Village "Mayor"

LONDON - Charles Allen, a former television executive, has been appointed so-called "Mayor" of the London 2012 Olympic Village.

Sir Charles Allen, file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

Allen will act as a figurehead, welcoming and hosting dignitaries and maintaining a "visible and accessible" presence for residents throughout the Games period.

Once chief executive of ITV, Allen, 55, cut his teeth in the specialized business of hosting sports mega-events when he acted as chair of the Organizing Committee for the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

He has been a key behind-the-scenes figure at London 2012, first as vice-chair of the victorious London bid and more recently as a director of the Games Organizing Committee.

He says he is "thrilled" by his appointment and looking forward to delivering "an outstanding and memorable experience for residents and visitors during the Games this summer".

Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said Allen had "a thorough understanding of the Games environment and its complex delivery".

He was confident he would do a "fantastic" job.

Among other current roles, Allen is a director of Virgin Media.