West Ham have appointed Mario Husillos as their new director of football.
The 59-year-old will work alongside new manager Manuel Pellegrini, with the pair having previously operated in similar roles together at Malaga.
The Hammers are looking to build a management structure that can help them avoid the sort of trouble which led to a fight against Premier League relegation for much of last season.
Husillos has signed a three-year deal at the London Stadium, West Ham announced, with co-owner David Sullivan pleased to have the Argentinian on board.
“He has worked in six or seven different countries and it’s that global experience we hope will serve us well as we scout the world to bring West Ham United some exciting new talent,” Sullivan said.
“He is also highly experienced at helping young players fulfil their potential and we believe we have an exciting crop of emerging players here.”
Husillos is looking forward to re-establishing his working relationship with Pellegrini as they look to improve the fortunes of West Ham.
“I am very excited,” he said. “West Ham United is a club with huge ambition. The challenge to help deliver that ambition is what really attracted me to the role.
“I know the manager well and know he wants to deliver an exciting brand of attacking football. It will be my job to supply him with the tools to do just that.”
“I am very much looking forward to working with Manuel Pellegrini again. We had great success together at Malaga, reaching the Champions League, and he is someone that I have huge respect for.”