The recruitment process was completed with a panel interview this week, following current chairman Mark Hollinshead’s completion of a second two-year term in the post from November 2005.

Dick was the director of coaching for the British Athletics Federation from 1979 to 1994 when among the athletes who won Olympic gold medals were Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, Daley Thompson, Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell.

He served as chief coach to the British team at four Olympic Games, seven European Cups, three European Championships and three World Championships.

Dick has since worked with top competitors in a number of other sports, including figure skater Katarina Witt and tennis player Andy Murray, and is a highly successful motivational speaker.

He said: "Firstly, I’d like to say thanks and congratulations to Mark for his leadership in taking the sport to its current position and for putting the pieces in place for the next challenge, which, lets make no bones about it, will be tough; but tough times call for a tough response, and I believe Scotland has the right people to do that. I hope I can do the right leadership job."

Hollinshead will continue as a non-executive Board member of Scottish Athletics, as will deputy chair Julia Bracewell.

Hollinshead said: "I have enjoyed my time as chair and the completion of a four year championship cycle and I'm looking forward to working with Frank in the countdown to London 2012 and Glasgow 2014.

"His reputation domestically and internationally in coaching over four decades is second to none.

"We have appreciated the work that he has undertaken in 2009 in helping to establish a Coaches Association in Scotland and this new appointment keeps coaching and performance very much at the top of the agenda over the next few years."