Head hunt: Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Communications & Technology) Alan Siu announces the search for CreateHK's chief.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau has launched an open recruitment to identify a suitable candidate to head the CreateHK office formed today to promote the development of Hong Kong's creative industries.

Acting as CreateHK head for now, Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Communications & Technology) Alan Siu said the successful candidate will be ranked at Directorate Pay Scale Point 3 and appointed on civil service agreement terms for three years. Candidates should possess at least 12 years' experience at a senior level, preferably with a large public or private organisation.

"We are looking for a high-calibre individual who shares our vision and commitment to drive the development of the creative industries which is a new growth sector for the economy of Hong Kong," he said.

The vacancy will be advertised in newspapers today and tomorrow.

The bureau is also inviting applications for funds under the newly established $300 million CreateSmart Initiative, which provides support over the coming three years to initiatives conducive to the development of creative industries. An independent vetting committee will assess applications.

Hong Kong has 32,000 creative industry-related establishments engaging more than 170,000 practitioners and creating an added value to Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product of more than $60 billion annually, representing 4% of GDP.