Jack Buckner has been announced as the new Chief Executive of UK Athletics following the conclusion of an open recruitment process.

Buckner, who is currently the Chief Executive of British Swimming and previously the British Triathlon Federation, will take the reins at UK Athletics as the sport commences build-up towards a fast approaching Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As swimming’s CEO he oversaw a hugely successful Team GB performance at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021, the Olympic team claiming a best-ever haul of eight medals including 4 gold and the Paralympic team was the most successful sport competing for ParalympicsGB with 26 medals won at the Aquatics centre.

Previous to his role at British Triathlon, Buckner worked as Strategic Lead for National Governing Bodies and Market Development for Sport England. Most notably however he is a 1987 World Athletics Championships Bronze medallist, and 1986 European Gold and Commonwealth Silver medallist over 5000m.

On returning to the sport where he originally made his competitive mark, Buckner said:

“I’m incredibly excited to continue my sporting journey at UK Athletics where I know there are so many great people doing amazing things in Olympic and Paralympic sport.  Many thanks to Ian Beattie and the Board at UKA for giving me this opportunity.

“Athletics has been a huge part of my life since I was a teenager and I can’t wait to be trackside later in the year. Taking on the CEO role will be an exciting challenge and one I feel privileged to have been offered. I am looking forward to getting started.”

UK Athletics Chair Ian Beattie said:

“I am delighted to announce Jack as our new CEO. We were impressed with the range and quality of applicants for the role at this exciting time for athletics, but Jack was the standout candidate with his feel for the sport and knowledge as an athlete.

“Both the Board and I look forward to working with Jack, starting with this very busy and exciting summer and looking ahead to the fast-approaching Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

“I’d also like to thank Mark Munro in his role as interim CEO and his commitment to leading the senior team over the last few months. I’m pleased to confirm that Mark will continue working for UKA in a senior role and has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer in a crucial role alongside our new CEO. I’ve no doubt we’ve got some great talent in the senior leadership team and organisation and I’m looking forward to working with them in the coming years.”