Athletics: UKA names City figure as its new chairman

Edmond Warner, a City businessman, was named yesterday as the first chairman of UK Athletics and will take up his role immediately. The 43-year-old Warner will act as part-time non-executive chairman and his role will be equivalent to that of the chairman of a public company.

"Ed was by far and away the outstanding candidate for the new post of chairman of UK Athletics," said John Taylor, a UKA director. "He is exactly what UKA needs to take it to the next level. He is a leader with a track record of success. He makes things happen, he is a winner in business and will help provide real leadership to the sport."

Richard Caborn, the sports minister, said: "The run-up to the London 2012 Games is an extremely important and challenging time for UK Athletics and I am confident Ed Warner is the right person to drive the sport forward."

Warner's first task will be to name UK Athletics' next chief executive officer following David Moorcroft's decision to step down from the post in August. An announcement of Moorcroft's successor is likely to be made before the end of this month.