The IAAF announced Jon Ridgeon as the organization’s new CEO on Monday. 

Ridgeon competed internationally for Great Britain from 1984 to 1996. He won a silver medal in the 110m hurdles at the 1987 World Championships and competed in the 1988 and 1996 Olympic Games.

“Having spent my life in sport, this is a dream job for me and I am absolutely thrilled,” Ridgeon said.

The 51-year-old replaces Olivier Gers, who was appointed to the position in 2016 and resigned in March.

“While I’m sorry to be leaving, the pre-existing commercial framework makes it difficult for me to apply my talents and fully leverage the assets of the IAAF in the way I would like,” Gers said to Reuters. 

After his athletic career, Ridgeon worked in business, most recently at CSM Active where he is an executive chairman. IAAF President Sebastian Coe also works as an executive chairman at the company.