Barbara Cassani has stepped down as chair of London 2012 as part of a ‘refocus of the bid leadership’ following the successful progress of London to the candidates shortlist.

The surprise move came only a day after London was announced as one of the five candidate cities for hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.

Cassani, who held the role for 11 months, will effectively swap roles with Sebastian Coe, who will assume the position of both chair and president.

Cassani will become the bid’s vice chair, with a specific responsibility for the development of the candidature file – the full technical document in which London’s plans will be detailed.

Cassani said: “Our focus must now be on winning the support of the international sporting community and demonstrating London is the right choice for 2012.”

Concerns had been expressed from some quarters that Cassani – an American from a non-sporting background – would not have the necessary impact with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Lord Coe, however, is a double Olympic gold medallist.

After the announcement, Coe said he was “looking foward to promoting London’s bid to the sports community across the globe.”

He added: “The Olympic Games profoundly and positively influenced my life. I want to give that opportunity to others and leave a legacy for future generations.”

As part of the reorganisation, Keith Mills, bid chief executive, will also assume the role of president, international.

Mills, who will work closely with Coe in the international field, said, “We are ready to take the bid to the Olympic movement.”