The race to lead the Olympic legacy across East London has now begun, with recruiters starting the search for a senior executive to manage the regeneration of the Lower Lee Valley.

Five London boroughs have come together to fund an executive director to manage the Olympic vision and ensure that the Games deliver lasting benefits to residents and businesses in the area.

The successful candidate will be employed by the London Borough of Hackney and will play a crucial role in the overall vision of the 2012 games, especially as the idea of legacy was such a key selling point of the winning bid.

Hamish Davidson, chairman of recruitment firm Rockpools, says the search has already started, and he now expects to have someone in the post by the summer.

“The executive director will need to be as outstanding as the job itself,” he said.

“They will need to broker a cohesive vision and develop an invincible partnership with the diverse communities they serve. The role also requires someone who can deliver real results - fast.”

The Games are expected to generate as many as 12,000 new jobs and provide new homes, schools and community projects.