Derby County have named Trevor Birch as their new chief executive.
Birch, who has held similar roles at Chelsea, Leeds and Everton, has also been appointed a member of the board at the Barclays Premiership newcomers.
He replaces vice-chairman Mike Horton, who last week decided not to continue in the role of managing director.
"I very much look forward to playing my role in moving the club forward and helping the manager and board of directors fulfil their ambition in realising the club's true potential."
Rams chairman Peter Gadsby added: "Trevor earned a great reputation when he was last in the game and we are delighted that someone with his experience and understanding of football in general - and the Premiership in particular - has agreed to join us on the board of directors."
A former player with Liverpool reserves, Shrewsbury and Chester, Birch became known as something of a trouble-shooting figure when he was appointed chief executive of Chelsea in 2002.
The Blues were then ridden with debt and Birch was instrumental in the takeover of Roman Abramovich four years ago.
He moved on to Leeds - who were also mired in debt - and helped them avoid administration.
As with Chelsea, he oversaw a takeover of the club.
His spell at Everton lasted only six weeks, however, amid reports the board disagreed over some of his proposals to restructure the club's finances.
