European Athletics vice-president Jean Garcia has taken on the interim chief executive role of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) ahead of a permanent appointment later this year.

Following his election as IAAF president last September, Sebastian Coe began a comprehensive review of the governing body’s organisational structure. The appointment of a chief executive/general secretary will be the conclusion of that process.

Until the permanent hire is made, Garcia will oversee the day-to-day operations of the IAAF at its headquarters in Monaco. It is unknown whether the former general secretary of the French Federation will apply for the role full-time.

Coe said his “vast experience” would help assist the “smooth running of the association in the interim”.

“He will act as the focal point for all our member federations and partners, and support me with the work involving the executive board and the IAAF Council,” he added.

Garcia takes on the role at a difficult time for the IAAF, which was labeled ”corrupt” by World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) independent commission chair Dick Pound last week following high-profile allegations of doping in athletics.