NIELS de Vos, the chief executive of Sale Sharks rugby union club, has been confirmed as the new chief executive of UK Athletics.

De Vos has been named as the successor to David Moorcroft, who steps down after nine years in the job.

The appointment may raise eyebrows in the sport following soon after the appointment of Ed Warner to the new post of chairman, as both he and de Vos come from business rather than athletics backgrounds.

De Vos does have an impressive pedigree in sport however - not only are Sale the reigning Guinness Premiership champions but he also was the commercial director of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and made a name for himself negotiating some lucrative sponsorship deals.

Warner said: éWe are delighted that Niels has agreed to become our new chief executive, taking over from David Moorcroft.

éHe has a fantastic track record of delivering success at the highest level in sport, not just at Sale, but also at Manchester 2002.é

Moorcroft confirmed his retirement last September after a period of highs and lows in the role and will leave UK Athletics later this week.

The former world 5,000metres record holder felt that with London staging the Olympics in 2012, the right move would be to leave and allow a successor to get established well ahead of the showpiece.

De Vos, 39, will take up his post in May. He said: éI am thrilled and honoured to have been entrusted with the role of chief executive of UK Athletics.

Opportunity

éAthletics was my sport as a youngster and has long been a passion of mine. When the opportunity arose to apply my business and sports administration skills within UK Athletics, I did not hesitate.

éMy task will be to create a climate for success across the entire sport and to ensure that everyone in athletics is empowered and supported to fulfil their ambitions and to secure a vibrant future for the sport.

éAt the elite end of the sport, the focus will be on getting our top athletes to the start line in optimum condition to maximise their chances of medal success.

éThat means providing them with the best possible environment in which to prepare for major championships, with the best possible support.

éIn sport as in business the smallest of margins separates success and failure. Our focus needs to be on the detail that can make a difference both at the performance level and across our organisation.é

Warner added: éI have spent a great deal of time with Niels over the past few weeks and I believe he brings energy and drive to the role of chief executive.

éHe has valuable experience managing organisations within elite sport. He knows what it takes to operate in a successful environment and to inspire others.

éI am looking forward to working closely with Niels to take UK Athletics and our sport to new heights. I am sure Niels will provide great vision and leadership for UK Athletics.é

Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and a member of the recruitment panel for de Vosé appointment, said:éThis is a crucial time for UK Athletics in the run-up to London 2012.

éClear leadership is needed at the top of the organisation to ensure that the right support structures are put in place for our athletes.

éNiels has an impressive background in the business of sport and I look forward to hearing his ideas and working with him and Ed Warner in the coming years.é

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