Former National Express Group chief executive Richard Bowker has been confirmed as chair-elect of UK Athletics.

Bowker – who is a non-executive director of London Marathon Events – will take up the position in January 2018.

He will replace current incumbent Ed Warner in just over 12 months time, and stand down from his position with London Marathon Events just before.

Bowker said athletics was “very close to my heart”, adding: “I look forward to working with everyone involved in athletics in the UK at every level. We can all look forward to great performances at London 2017, Tokyo 2020 and beyond.”

In 2017, the UK capital will host the World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships.

UK Athletics Members Council president Jason Gardener said Bowker was the “outstanding candidate”.

“With London 2017 firmly in focus, the UK has a fantastic opportunity to recreate the amazing atmosphere of London 2012 and build on the momentum of Rio 2016 as we turn our attention towards further success at Tokyo 2020,” said UK Sport chair Rod Carr.

Carr added: “A strong partnership between everyone working in the high-performance sector is crucial to help ensure success and we look forward to this continuing.”