Meares, who medalled at all four Olympics where she competed, was also the nation's flagbearer at Rio 2016.

Speaking about her appointment Meares said: "The athletes are the very heart of everything that is the Olympic Games.

"Every athlete comes with a story, an ambition and a feeling of great pride in representing their country.

"My job is to ensure we provide the right environment for all of them as they strive for Olympic success, enjoy their experience as an Olympian, and allow all in Australia to learn about their story and connect through sport.

"A positive team environment is such an important ingredient.

"There will be more than 30 different sports spread across multiple venues in Paris and we know that the feeling they are all part of the Australian Olympic Team is important to them.

"My job is to help bind us altogether and give them a sense of home away from home.

"My priority now is to build strong relationships with our sports leaders and our athlete leaders.

"There’s already been a lot of work done in that area through the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

"I look forward to spending time catching up with athletes and get their thoughts first-hand.

"Every Olympic Games produces its challenges but there’s a very experienced team behind the team and our job is to create a positive environment so our athletes can excel."

Meares Olympic medal haul consists of gold in the 500 metres time trial at Athens 2004 and gold in the sprint at London 2012, silver at Beijing 2008 in the sprint, and bronzes at Athens 2004 in sprint, London 2012 in team sprint and Rio 2016 in the keirin.

Meares served as general manager, the equivalent of deputy Chef de Mission, for Australia at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.   

AOC President Ian Chesterman said Meares had all the right qualities for the role.

"When you examine what she has achieved, the obstacles she has overcome and the manner of her achievement, the qualities that make a Chef de Mission are there on abundant display," Chesterman said.

"Very importantly, Anna is a leader and has a passion for serving athletes. She will be a wonderful team-builder for our team members going to Paris.

"She has walked in the athletes’ shoes at four Olympic Games, winning medals of every colour and was our team captain in Rio.

"Her comeback from a very serious injury to win a silver medal in Beijing 2008 is the stuff of legends.

"This year Anna gained valuable experience as general manager for Australia’s team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"All of these things were factors in play in making this selection.

"Ultimately, we have selected a great Australian to lead what I’m sure will be a great Australian team."

The Anna Meares Velodrome, named after the athlete, is due to host track cycling events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Paris 2024 Olympics is scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11.