UK's Sage starts search for new CEO - paper

LONDON, April 18 (Reuters) - British software developer Sage (SGE.L) has begun the search for a successor to long-serving chief executive Paul Walker, the Sunday Times said.

The newspaper, citing unnamed sources, said the group had hired headhunters Russell Reynolds Associates, to find a replacement.

Internal candidates include finance director Paul Harrison and Paul Stobart, who runs the group's UK and Ireland business, it said, adding the headhunters were also likely to look externally.

Sage declined to comment. (Reporting by Mark Potter; editing by Elaine Hardcastle)