British Diving has appointed the current head coach of the Russian Diving team to the role of national performance director.

Russian Alexei Evangulov will take up his post in March and will be tasked with leading Britain to the 2012 Olympics.

A former international diver from 1974 to 1980, Evangulov has overseen the management of the Russian diving programme over the past 16 years and lead Russia to three silver and two bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

British Swimming CEO David Sparkes is pleased with Evangulov's appointment and believes it will have a real impact on diving in Britain in the lead up to London 2012.

"Alexei has a wealth of experience and will now take our programme to the next level while giving the leadership it requires into the London Olympics."