The Football Association has confirmed Ian Watmore as their new chief executive, succeeding Brian Barwick.
Watmore will not join the FA until June when he leaves his post as Permanent Secretary for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
A lifelong Arsenal fan, Watmore, 50, has 24 years' experience in the IT industry prior to his recent background in Government.
Watmore is a board member of the English Institute of Sport.
"I am delighted to be joining The Football Association as chief executive," he said. "It is a great challenge and one I am really looking forward to.
"With [chairman] Lord Triesman and the [FA] Board, Fabio Capello and the FA's staff, I want to ensure we are achieving success on and off the pitch across all levels of the game."
A three-man shortlist of candidates were interviewed for the post.
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