Thiessen, who was part of the Canadian team which won the men’s event at the 2010 World Championships in Cortina D’Ampezzo, retired from the sport in April and has opted to move into a role within the organisation.

The 35-year-old, also a three-time national champion, will work with Curling Canada’s event model review team, which is currently looking into the competition structure of the nation’s major events.

He will also be tasked with providing an athletes’ perspective to many other Curling Canada initiatives.

“Curling has been a huge part of my life, and I couldn’t be happier that it will continue to be, even as I step back from competitive curling,” said Thiessen.

“There are so many opportunities for our sport as we move forward, and I’m excited to be able to contribute to an organisation that consistently performs at a high level, both on and off the ice, and produces best-in-class results, and also to help grow the sport of curling, which means so much to me.”

On his appointment, Curling Canada chief executive Katherine Henderson added: “Nolan’s experience as a high-performance player, in addition to his big-picture perspective on the sport of curling, make him a natural fit for Curling Canada, and he brings another professional voice to our team as we continue to work to build our sport across the country.

“While Nolan is known in our community as an elite curler, he also is familiar with all aspects of our sport, from the grassroots on up, and also brings a business perspective as a Chartered Professional Accountant.

“He has the respect of his peers as well as curlers and fans across our country, and he will be a valuable resource, and ambassador, for our organisation and our sport.”

Canada are the dominant force in curling as their men’s and women’s teams are the reigning Olympic and world champions.