Former UKA chief executive will lead the local organising committee for the championships in Oregon

Following his recent departure from UK Athletics, Niels de Vos has been announced as executive director of the IAAF World Championships Oregon21 local organising committee.

After more than a decade as chief executive at the UK governing body, overseeing events including last year's IAAF World Championships in London, De Vos will now lead Oregon's preparations for hosting the global event in 2021.

"We are pleased to welcome Niels de Vos as the executive director of Oregon21, LLC.," said Oregon21 board chair, Paul Weinhold.

"Niels has an impressive career serving as an executive of multiple sporting events at the international level, including the most recent IAAF World Championships. He understands how to effectively collaborate with government and private entities, leverage local knowledge and expertise and has a demonstrated record of accountability that we expect for the management of this event."

De Vos became UK Athletics' CEO in 2007 and in addition to his period in charge being dominated by London 2012, he also oversaw the staging of the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham this year and events like the 2008 World Cross Country Championships.

In his new role, De Vos will be responsible for the organisational management for the World Championships, including the development of all strategic plans, associated budgets, national and international partnerships, sponsorships and broadcast negotiations and other operational functions associated with the event.

He replaces Kathy Herrmann, who had been executive director on an interim basis, and is due to arrive into Eugene next week.

"Hosting the IAAF World Championships is a tremendous opportunity for the State of Oregon," said De Vos.

"This event will help build its global brand as a visitor destination, the people and businesses of Oregon will benefit from the economic activity and USA Track and Field will have a home championship for the first time ever to showcase their status as the world’s premier track and field nation.

"I am delighted to have been asked to lead the team delivering Oregon21 and I look forward to bringing the best of London 2017 expertise and blending it with the planning and delivery skills of the team in Oregon to ensure that Oregon21 is a huge success."