16th June 2017

Bowker Confirmed As UKA Chairman

16 June 2017

Following Richard Bowker’s appointment as Chair elect in January, UK Athletics (UKA) is delighted to announce the formal conclusion of his transition into the role of Chairman with immediate effect.

As planned, a handover of responsibilities from outgoing Chair Ed Warner has now been completed. Warner will leave UKA after almost 11 years following the conclusion of this Summer’s World Championships.

The transition will enable Warner, UKA’s Co-Chair of London 2017, to now focus all of his time on final preparations and delivery of the Para Athletics World Championships and IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017, which commence in the London Stadium on 14 July and finish on 13 August.

Warner said: "After more than a decade as Chair, it is very pleasing to leave athletics in the UK in such great shape, and on the high of twin World Championships in the iconic London Stadium which we have fought hard for over so many years. I know we are now about to deliver two Championships that will make the nation proud.

“UKA’s commitment to Clean Athletics is a source of particular pride from my tenure, and watching the achievements of British athletes across many championships has provided great enjoyment. Richard Bowker will I’m sure prove an excellent leader of our sport working alongside Niels de Vos and all the UKA staff.

“I look forward to celebrating the successes of the British team in the exciting weeks immediately ahead and the years to follow."

Bowker said: “I am delighted to be taking over as Chair of UK Athletics from Ed Warner at such an important moment for our sport. With two World Championships about to take place in London, we will not only have a brilliant summer of Athletics to look forward to but we also have a really strong platform on which to build an even more exciting future.”

Jason Gardener, President of UKA, said: "On behalf of the UK Members Council I’d like to place on the record our thanks to Ed’s work as Chairman of UK Athletics over the last 10 years.

“In playing a key role in securing the Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships for London this summer, as well as the ongoing athletics legacy of the stadium, he has ensured the sport has a successful platform from which to build upon.

“At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Richard to the role having completed a successful handover with Ed, and I am looking forward to working with him in the years ahead.”