Peters played a major role in helping the Gold Coast hold off sole bid rivals Hambantota of Sri Lanka by 43 votes to 27 at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis last November but it is understood that several high profile candidates to have applied for the prestigious position.

Peters, the former chief executive of the Australian Sports Commission, is currently the acting chief executive of the Gold Coast 2018 Organising Committee and formed a close bond with Mark Stockwell, the chair of the Bid and now the Organising Committee, in helping to bring the competition to Australia.

But Stockwell, who was formally appointed Organising Committee chairman last month following the recommendation of Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Australian Commonwealth Games Association President (ACGA) Sam Coffa, has made it clear that the appointment of an Organising Committee chief executive would be a transparent one.

"We must now look to appoint a board and a chief executive so we can hit the ground running in 2012," said Coffa.

"However this is a marathon, not a sprint with lots of planning before the finish line in 2018 and lots of hard work ahead."

Coffa is also a big supporter of Peters, telling insidethegames last month that "there is a strong likelihood that Mark Peters will be involved" in the Organising Committee.

The position of Gold Coast 2018 Organising Committee chief executive was widely advertised before the deadline for applications closed this weekend, with the role having "overall responsibility for the efficient and effective administration and operation of the Corporation."

The Organising Committee chief executive "will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of plans for the Gold Coast 2018 Games in accordance with the terms of the host city contract and with the commitments made by Government, Gold Coast City Council, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association and the Gold Coast City 2018 bidding organisation.

"Other major responsibilities include managing the financial performance of the Corporation; establish successful relationships with other organisations, and assisting Government in the timely delivery of venues."

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