Arnot was part of the Chicago bid team that lost to Rio earlier in October

One of the leading figures of Chicago's failed bid for the 2016 Olympics has joined the London 2012 organising team.

Doug Arnot, who was director of venues and games operations for Chicago, will fulfil a similar role for London.

Arnot, who also worked on the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, will lead the planning, co-ordination and delivery of the Olympics.

"I cannot wait to get started. There is genuine excitement around the world about the Games in London," he said.

"London 2012 is a unique challenge and one I could not pass up.

"I look forward to being part of this highly driven team and working with them to continue the fantastic work done so far. "

London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton revealed: "We've been talking to Doug for the last six months as part of an international search to fill this position.

"We are delighted that Doug, with his extensive Olympic and Paralympic Games experience, is joining us."

Arnot worked on the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City

Arnot is experienced at hosting major sporting events, having worked on football's World Cup in the United States in 1994 and he also spent time as chief executive of USA Rugby.

However, he was placed on probation by Salt Lake City organisers after an altercation with a pedestrian in 2000.

He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour assault, spent 10 days in jail and issued a public apology. The misdemeanour expired in 2006.

In 2007, Fraser Bullock, Salt Lake City's chief operating officer, told the Chicago Tribune: "Basically, it was a very minor incident that was blown way out of proportion and Doug took one for the team."

He said Arnot believed he was innocent but wanted to avoid the media circus that would have accompanied a trial.

In 2006, Arnot became a senior vice-president of Chicago's bid to host the Olympics but the city was eliminated in the first round of voting earlier this month, with Brazil's Rio de Janeiro winning the right to stage the 2016 Games.

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