VANCOUVER - John Furlong, who headed Vancouver's successful bid last year, has been selected as the CEO for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

His appointment was announced by 2010 Games chair Jack Poole on Friday, following a telephone conference involving the 20-member board of directors.

the names of Furlong and a second candidate were both presented to the board for consideration.

The appointment comes on the same day that former IOC vice-president and 2010 board member Dick Pound accused the B.C. government of rigging the selection process in favour of Furlong.

Pound said Premier Gordon Campbell had discouraged other applicants from coming forward.

But Campbell says that's not true. But he also points out it's no secret he's a fan of Furlong's work.

"John Furlong has done an exceptional job of building a team. I think that he would be an exceptional leader," says the premier.

Furlong says that after the decision was made to give him the top job, he received a voice message from Pound offering his support.

"He told me he was quick to support the final board decision, and that he would do everything he could possibly do to help me be a success in my job and my role, and he that he would help our team be successful," he says.

Furlong takes over his duties immediately. He will be paid $300,000 a year.

INTERVIEW: The Early Edition's Rick Cluff speaks with Chris Rudge, the CEO