He will replace Frankie Fredericks with immediate effect after the Namibian reached the end of his term.

Prezelj represented Slovenia at the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games and four World Championships before retiring in 2014.

The 36-year-old claimed gold at the 2011 European under-23 Championships as well as leaping a national record personal best of 2.32 metres in 2012.

“I’m most gratified by this show of confidence from my fellow Commission members for entrusting me with this big responsibility in these challenging times to represent the athlete community," said Prezelj.

"I will do my very best to justify their trust as chairperson.

"In taking over from Frank Fredericks, I wish to thank him for his tireless commitment as an ambassador for athletes.”

Britain’s marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe was nominated vice-chair.

Radcliffe, who was only elected onto the 12-member Commission last year, is seen as a close ally of IAAF President Sebastian Coe, who warned against a "McCarthyesque witch-hunt" after she was named on a list of athletes with "suspicious" blood values last year.

She has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the IAAF and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

"Fruitful and constructive" discussions and debates were held during the meeting today, attended by Coe as well as by IAAF chief executive and general secretary Jean Gracia.

The creation of a strong Athlete Code was among ideas proposed, whereby "all clean athletes would be encouraged to show solidarity".

I offer my deepest thanks and gratitude to Frank Fredericks, the outgoing chairperson, for his unstinting passion and commitment on behalf of athletes everywhere since he was elected in 2011," said Coe afterwards.

"Many congratulations to his successor Rožle Prezelj and to Paula Radcliffe, the vice chairperson.

"They lead the Commission at a crucial time for athletics’ future."

Fredericks, also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as an IAAF Council member, is now expected to focus upon his Olympic role, having been named as chair of the IOC's Evaluation Commission for the race for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics this week.

“I’m delighted to be succeeded by Rozle Prezelj, who was elected by the Commission members, and wish him the very best as chairperson," he said following the meeting.

"It’s been a pleasure to lead the Commission working with my fellow members to help promote the needs of the world’s clean athletes which must be the IAAF’s primary responsibility.

"As an IAAF Council member, I’ll of course continue to offer a prominent voice in their support.”