She will replace Norman Brook, who has resigned to join his family in South Africa.

Hyde Peters, the current director of athlete development at UK Athletics, is a former elite endurance athlete who is still active in veterans competitions.  

Hyde Peters has held both elite performance and athlete development roles at UK Athletics in addition to being a board director as well as also sitting as a member on UK Sport.

She also an MBA in addition to her prior experience in marketing and innovation in a global engineering and technology company.

Dr Sarah Springman the president of British Triathlon said: "We are thrilled that we have managed to attract Zara at this exciting time for our sport as we approach the Olympic Games in Beijing and look forward to London 2012.

"She is an ideal choice, both in supporting the performance team in bringing home Olympic medals as her team did successfully in Athens , and to work closely with our members, the Home Nations."

Jem Lawson the chairman of Triathlon England , said: "I am delighted by the appointment of Zara Hyde Peters; she has the experience and appreciation of the national and international sporting scenes, which will serve Triathlon England well in the next stage of our sports development. 

"Zara is taking over at a key time, and has the business experience and acumen to lead the consolidation, development and delivery of member services in England "

Hyde Peters said: "I am looking forward to the challenge offered by my new role as chief executive of British Triathlon. 

"Leading an Olympic sport in the current British sporting climate is a fantastic opportunity;  triathlon, with a fast growing participant base and some exciting young talent emerging is a vibrant and motivated sport."

Hyde Peters will take up her new position as from 1 March 2008.