The Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors named its chief legal officer and general counsel as interim commissioner Friday, a role he will fill until the new commissioner assumes the position next month.

CLO Anil Gollahalli's temporary promotion to the top position became effective Friday, the conference said in a statement, noting that he will continue to handle chief legal duties for the Council of Presidents and Chancellors. He will be in the role until May 15, when Tony Petitti begins his tenure as the seventh commissioner in Big Ten Conference history.

Gollahalli, who started as CLO with the conference last May, takes on the role as Kevin Warren, the current commissioner, leaves the organization to serve as president and CEO of the Chicago Bears National Football League franchise.

"Gollahalli is a well-respected and collaborative higher education and collegiate athletics veteran who will also continue his duties as chief legal officer and general counsel for the conference," the Council of Presidents and Chancellors said in the statement.

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