The double Olympic figure skating champion is to adopt a higher profile following the surprise resignation on Monday (September 6) of Willy Bogner as chief executive due to ill health.

Witt is expected to be the face of the bid while Bernard Schwank takes over as chief executive.

There will inevitably be comparisons drawn between Witt and Sebastian Coe, the two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion, who took over London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics when it was struggling and turned it around spectacularly.

"She [Witt] had the task of making the presentation for Munich 2018 during the Youth Games in Singapore and she did a good job," said Bach.

"We have received the best response from all the parties and IOC members.

"This role will continue - and I'm sure she will do it with success."

Witt, the Olympic ladies singles champion in 1984 and 1988, has carved out a successful media career since hanging up her skates but is now set to devote herself to Munich's bid until the decision by the IOC at its Session in Durban on July 6, 2011, where the Bavarian city will face rivals Annecy and Pyeongchang.

"We must now work hard to integrate the public into this bid and make every effort to fulfill our common dream of the Olympics in our own country," said Witt.

"I am perhaps the most famous face in our team, but we have all worked together from the start and put in plenty of commitment.

"I have been the chairman of the board of trustees since Vancouver earlier this year and have worked to make this a success internationally.

"Now I'm going to bring that to a national level."

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