London: Charles Allen, a former television executive, has been appointed "Mayor" of the London 2012 Olympic Village.

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

Once chief executive of ITV, Allen, 55, cut his teeth in the specialised business of hosting sports mega-events when he acted as chair of the Organising 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 Organising 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 Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said Allen had "a thorough understanding of the Games environment and its complex delivery".

Coe was confident Allen would do a "fantastic" job.

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