UK Athletics has appointed Nic Coward as its interim chief executive.

Coward is a former general secretary of the English Premier League and CEO of the British Horseracing Authority. He has also had two spells as the acting CEO of the Football Association and is the current chair of England Golf.

Coward will lead the national governing body until a permanent appointment is made through the ongoing CEO recruitment process.

UK Athletics has been without a permanent CEO for nearly 18 months, following the stepping down of Niels de Vos in September 2018.

Former Commonwealth Games athlete and British Triathlon Federation CEO Zara Hyde Peters was appointed to the post in August 2019 – but then had to withdraw due to a "safeguarding issue".

It is hoped that Coward's appointment will provide some stability at the NGB, ahead of this summer's Olympic Games.

Chris Clark, UK Athletics chair said: "Olympic and Paralympic year is always hugely important for the sport and it’s essential we continue to make progress in these final few months in the approach to the Games.

"Appointing an interim CEO is the first important step to ensure we have strong leadership for the sport working alongside our management team and the board, and ultimately supporting our world class programme so they all give their very best in Tokyo.

“Nic is a highly experienced sport executive and will provide an important leadership role until such time our next CEO, currently being recruited, can start.”

Coward added: "Athletics is a sport that captures the nation’s imagination each and every year, but Olympic and Paralympic year is even more special.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board and all the team, across the organisation, at such an important time for the sport."