British Swimming has appointed Dennis Pursley as its new national head coach.

Pursley, a former team director of USA Swimming, will take up the post in October and has been tasked with driving forward the British Swimming programme over the next four years, leading to the London 2012 Olympics.

It is the first time British Swimming has appointed a dedicated, full-time head coach.

British Swimming's national performance director, Michael Scott, said: "I'm delighted to have someone of Dennis's calibre leading our efforts.

"He's got an impeccable track record around the globe and led the US to new heights when leading their Olympic teams.

"The Head Coach will be dedicated to working with Intensive Training Centres and coaches around the country and will assume the role at World Championships and the 2012 Olympics."

Pursley spent 14 years as National Team Director of USA Swimming where he was responsible for all aspects of the national team programme. During this time the USA topped both the men's and women's medal tables in each of the three Olympics. The finest moment was at the 2000 Olympics where the USA won 33 medals, 14 of which were gold.

British Swimming chief executive, David Sparkes, added: "We are putting together the strongest possible team to lead us to the London 2012 Olympics and feel confident, with the support of the British coaches and the talented athletes we have, the NPD and head coach together will give us a fantastic opportunity to achieve success in front of the home crowd in four year time."

A former head coach of the Cincinnati Marlins, Pursley has held head coaching roles at the Australian Institute of Sport and in Canada.

"I'm excited and honoured by this opportunity," said Pursley. "From the outside looking in, Michael Scott and before him Bill Sweetenham have done an outstanding job in turning the ship around and it's now very much pointing in the right direction.