AFP - The Swiss police commander overseeing security for the World Economic Forum in Davos was found dead Tuesday, police said, adding that it appeared to be a suicide.

The announcement came as political and business leaders began arriving in the Swiss mountain resort for the start Wednesday of the annual blue-chip meeting.

"Dr. Markus Reinhardt, commander of the Graubuenden cantonal police... was found dead in his hotel room in the morning," Swiss police said in a statement. "All indications point to a suicide."

Reinhardt, 61, has headed the canton's police force since 1984.

The force paid tribute to Reinhardt as a "treasured, important personality".

Local authorities said another senior police officer had taken over his duties for the forum, the Swiss news agency ATS reported.

World Economic Forum (WEF) organisers stressed that Reinhardt was not a member of its staff but said the forum had long worked with him in preparing for the annual Davos mega-conference.

"The World Economic Forum has with great sadness and regret learned of the tragic death" of the police chief, said a WEF statement.

"During the many years during which we co-operated with him over security for our Annual Meeting at Davos, we appreciated his professionalism and his kindness.

"The (Swiss) Security Forces continue to have our full confidence and trust in their work," it added.