IAAF CEO Gers quits after less than 18 months in job

"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," said Gers, who joined the IAAF in 2016.

"Given my stance, I have resigned so the IAAF can pursue a different commercial strategy for the sport."

The International Association of Athletics Federations said Frenchman Gers would continue in his role for the next three months after which a new CEO would be recruited.

"I would like to thank Olivier for the work he has done particularly around putting a strong team in place at the IAAF, developing a strategic plan and securing broadcast and digital rights to expand audiences for Athletics globally," IAAF President Sebastian Coe said.

"Coming off the best world championships we have ever had, having established a set of reforms that solidly underpins the governance of the sport and having established a solid foundation for growth, we will move forward with the innovation that will bring in new fans and new partners." (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)