The role will see Mr Perkins oversee high performance and participation sport as the nation embarks on the green and gold runway towards Brisbane 2032.

Mr Perkins is best known as one of Australia’s greatest ever swimmers and brings a wealth of corporate and sports administration experience to the role.

Most recently, Mr Perkins served as the President of Swimming Australia and has previously been a Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission (2001-2007).

Ms Sukkar said: “The ASC is delighted to welcome someone of the calibre of Kieren Perkins to this important role leading Australian sport.

“We are entering one of the most exciting decades in Australian sport and Kieren is the right person to lead the ASC on this journey.

“Kieren was selected from an outstanding field of candidates, and his appointment is as a result of his past experience, and the time he continues to re-invest back into Australian sport.”

Mr Perkins said he was excited to be stepping into the role of CEO at the ASC.

“I could not be more thrilled and honoured to be appointed to lead the ASC as Australian sport looks forward to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mr Perkins.

“It’s the most amazing opportunity to help shape participation and elite sport for Australia.

"As an athlete and administrator, I have lived the importance of a symbiotic sport system that has strong grass roots participation, underpinned by volunteerism, helping uncover and develop the ambitious talent that will represent our country on the world’s biggest stages.

“My corporate experience gives me the business and relationship skills required to bring together the important stakeholders pivotal in ensuring sport flourishes.

"The decade leading to 2032 is a generational opportunity to build a lasting legacy for all sport, in an environment that allows everyone involved to safely live all of the positive life experiences sport can bring.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck said: “As one of our greatest ever Olympians, Mr Perkins brings first-hand experience of high performance sport as well as an intrinsic understanding of the important role grassroots sport plays in the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”

Mr Perkins will commence in the role in the first quarter of 2022 with a start date to be confirmed.

In the interim, Rob Dalton will continue as Acting CEO.

• See also: Outgoing Paralympics Australia CEO joins ASC Board