Laughton, who has 17 years experience working in elite sport and most recently spent three years as performance director of Britain's national governing body for skeleton, British Skeleton, is due to take up the post on November 3.

The former British Army servant was the leader of Team GB's skeleton team at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, where Britain's Lizzy Yarnold secured a gold medal.

He replaces Jon Austin, who had held the position for three years before leaving earlier this month to take up a new role as performance director for Badminton England. 

Britain hosts the 2015 European Championships at the University of Bath next August, providing one of the main opportunities for British pentathletes to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

"I am honoured to have been offered this incredible opportunity to lead Pentathlon GB in the lead-up to Rio 2016 and beyond," said Laughton.

"I look forward to working with both the development and performance staff in Bath and across Great Britain, to fulfil the ambitious strategic goals of the association.

"With an Olympic qualifying Championship in Bath next summer, we have a great chance to showcase the facilities at the University of Bath, which is home to our national training centre, and for our athletes to perform on home soil in front of big audiences and crowds.

"Building on the Olympic medal successes since 2000 and continued support from UK Sport, Sport England, Home Nations, other partners and sponsors, Pentathlon GB is a very exciting organisation to be joining."

Nigel Laughton helped guide Lizzy Yarnold to a gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games ©Getty Images




Laughton's extensive experience in the world of sport has included roles as European development manager for the International Cricket Council, national academy manager of the England and Wales Cricket Board and three seasons as rugby operations director at Bath Rugby.

Before joining British Skeleton, he played a pivotal role in the setting up and running of the 2009 inaugural cricket Champions League T20 tournament in India.

Furthermore, he was a director for the Indian Premier League and managed the 2011 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh.

"Nigel's track record is impressive," said Anthony Temple, chairman of Pentathlon GB.

"He joins us at an exciting time for Pentathlon GB and for the sport of modern pentathlon.

"I am sure he will build on our recent achievements and take Pentathlon GB forward with confidence as we grow our sport in the UK and continue to achieve international successes at all levels."