The sprinter claimed continental honours in 2005 in Madrid before defending his title two years later in Birmingham.

He also formed part of an Irish bronze medal winning 4x400m relay team at the 2004 World Indoor Championships in Budapest. 

The 34-year-old was elected during a meeting in Dublin.

London 2012 triathlete Gavin Noble was chosen as vice-chair.

"It’s an honour to have been elected as chair of the Athletes Commission and I look forward to being a strong voice for athletes on the OCI Board over the coming four years," said Gillick.

"The new Board of the OCI has a rigorous reform agenda to deliver significant change in the organisation and to put the athlete at the centre of all that it does. 

"I look forward to playing my part in driving that athlete centred change. 

"We now have a strong Commission comprising a diverse range of skills and I look forward to working with the team to put a programme of work together."

The role of the Commission is to advise the OCI Executive Committee on all athlete related matters and to ensure that the voice of Irish athletes is heard.

It comes as the national governing body continues to rebuild following the election of Sarah Keane. 

Other members are hurdler Derval O'Rourke, dressage rider Judy Reynolds, hockey's David Harte, skier Shane O'Connor, swimmer Melanie Nocher, athlete James Nolan and boxer Kenneth Egan.

The Commission are expected to meet four times a year.