The appointment of Warner in 2007 as chairman was initially for a three year period, but in a decision endorsed by the UK Members Council, the board have extended Warner’s contract until January 2013.

It means Warner, whose first duty in 2007 was to appoint chief executive Niels de Vos, will continue in his role as a part time non-executive director leading the Board of UK Athletics, working closely with de Vos, and continuing to lead UKA’s development both within Britain and the global athletics community.

Lynn Davies, the 1964 Olympic long jump champion who is now president of the UK Members Council said: “It was a unanimous decision to extend Ed Warner’s contract beyond that of his original appointment.

"His leadership of UK Athletics since his appointment in January 2007 has been exemplary, and we look forward to continuing our work with him up to and beyond the next Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Warner, 45, was previously chief executive of Old Mutual Financial Services UK, wrote a weekly column on business for the Daily Telegraph was also a contributor on BBC Radio 4's business news.

A competitive local runner, Warner has completed several marathons over the last few years and is an active member of the Fittleworth Flyers, a running club based in West Sussex.

Warner said: “I’m delighted to be invited to continue as chairman of UK Athletics.

"I feel we have an increasingly important role to play in the development of the sport worldwide, not only with the approach of London 2012, but also by working with the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) and others on their efforts to modernise athletics’ appeal to future generations of fans and athletes.”


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