It is some consolation for his embarrassing failure last month to get a seat on the ruling Council of European Athletics, leaving Britain without any representation at the top table of the sport in Europe for the first time in its history.

But this at least means that Warner will be a key figure in the development of disability athletics following his four-year appointment.

"I'm delighted to take on this role," said Warner, who attended the Christchurch 2011 IPC Athletics World Athletics Championships in New Zealand earlier this year where Britain's wheelchair racing star Dave Weir was one of the standout performers as he claimed three gold medals.

"While it further cements UKA's positive working relationship with the IPC, it is also recognition of Great Britain's commitment to the development of Paralympic sport globally.

"I hope that we can build on the great work that has taken place in recent years and continue to evolve Paralympic athletics in this crucial period through to the London 2012 Paralympics and onto Rio [in 2016].

"The profile of our sport has never been higher and I'm excited to be involved with the key decision makers going forward."

The appointment of Warner, a former funds manager in the City and a contributor on business news to Radio 4, follows the publication of the IPC's new four year strategic plan to propel Paralympic Games to the next level while increasing the number of people participating in disability sport at all levels around the world and Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC's chief executive, revealed he was delighted to secure an individual of Warner's calibre to take on the role.

"I am delighted that Ed Warner will take on the position as chairperson of the IPC Athletics Sport Technical Committee," said Gonzalez.

"For many years he has worked in a professional capacity with the sport of athletics, both non-disabled and athletes with a disability, and his strategic leadership, sports knowledge and experience will contribute greatly to further establishing a strong foundation for the sport."

ParalympicsGB chairman Tim Reddish also paid tribute to the appointment stating that it shows the huge respect for Warner and UK Athletics on the international scene.

"Ed's appointment is great news and it is testament to the high esteem in which Ed and his work at UKA is held internationally," he said.

"I am especially delighted because in Britain we are proud to be a leading nation in Paralympic sport, not just in terms of winning medals but in relation to the development of all of the sports.

"Ed's appointment is recognition of this."

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