UK Athletics, the national governing body for track and field athletics, has named a leading businessman as its first ever chair.

Edmond Warner, a city businessman and financial commentator, will take up the new role of non-executive chair, with a remit of leading the UK Athletics (UKA) board.

The newly created role will be modelled on a chair position within a public company – Warner will work part-time for approximately 20 days a year supporting the new chief executive, who has not yet been appointed and will take over from the outgoing CEO, Dave Moorcroft.

Although not from an athletics background, Warner is a keen amateur runner, and is a member of a club in West Sussex.

John Taylor, one of UKA's non executive directors, said: "In Ed we have a world class leader who has vast experience in managing complex organisations.

“Ed was by far and away the outstanding candidate for the new post. His experience speaks for itself and 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.”

Warner said he was keen to continue the modernisation of the sport: "I am also very aware of the need to continue the modernisation of the sport started by Dave Moorcroft. He has done a tremendous job in bringing together our sport and that’s something I’m keen to build on."