Lord Sebastian Coe has been named the new chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

The former head of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was voted to the role by 43 members of the National Olympic Committee today (7 November 2012).

A double Olympic gold medallist, Lord Coe stood unopposed and will serve a four-year term as BOA Chairman, beginning today. He succeeds Lord Colin Moynihan, who announced in August this year his decision to step down from the position following seven years of leadership.

As chair, Lord Coe will lead the BOA board in mapping out the future direction of the organisation and making certain that Team GB athletes have the resources, preparation and support they need to continue to excel in the forthcoming Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Coe said: "I believe the BOA is uniquely positioned to work collaboratively with partners across government and sport to ensure there is a meaningful legacy resulting from the London 2012 Games - a legacy that positively impacts every level of sport and continues to inspire young people around the UK to choose sport.

"I am committed to making sure the benefits of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games are maximised and this role gives me an excellent platform to continue to serve and promote British Olympic sport, both in the UK, and globally."

Prime Minister David Cameron added: "Seb Coe demonstrated inspirational leadership in delivering the best ever Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer and as a double Olympic gold medallist himself there can be no better choice for BOA chair.

"He fully understands the support that athletes and sports governing bodies need in this country.

"Combined with his role as the Government's legacy ambassador Seb will play a crucial part in maximising the benefits from London 2012, helping our athletes achieve gold in Rio and British businesses win new trade and investment deals."

To read an interview with Lord Coe and other members of the team that delivered the London 2012 Games click here to read Sports Management, issue 3 2012.