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Derby County have named Sam Rush as Tom Glick's successor as chief executive.

The current head of football operations at global sports and entertainment agency the Wasserman Media Group will take up his role on 1 January 2013.

Rush, who has 15 years' experience in the sports business industry, said he was "honoured" by the appointment.

"Derby are seen as an innovative club and I look forward to delivering some of the exciting plans in place, and some of my own," Rush added.

Rush, who replaces Glick following his move to Premier League champions Manchester City, has been involved in the expansion of WMG as a global force in sports and entertainment during his six years with the company.

WMG list Mark Cavendish and Amir Khan as clients and represent around 400 professional footballers around the world.

Rush added: "It has been a tough decision to leave Wasserman Media Group and I thank Casey Wasserman and his team for their support over the past six years.

"The opportunity to work at Derby, at this exciting period in their history, was one though I could not turn down.

"I look forward to working with Nigel Clough and the rest of the staff. In due course I also intend to move up to Derby with my own family and look forward to sharing in future successes with the rest of the Rams supporters."

Chairman Andy Appleby said: "Sam's experiences at the forefront of the sports business industry, plus his global football connections, mean he will come to Derby well prepared to tackle the next stage of the club's development.

"We have been looking for a strong candidate who could work effectively with the ownership group, plus the strong management and executive team already in place at Pride Park.

"Sam fits the description perfectly and I am delighted that somebody of his calibre has agreed to join."