The English Institute of Sport (EIS) – the government-funded elite sports performance organisation – has promoted Dr Kevin Currell to be its director of science and technical development.

Dr Currell has been with the Institute for more than a decade, most recently fulfilling the role of head of performance nutrition, where he has overseen the nutrition teams of 20 Olympic sports since 2013.

In his new position he will lead the development of practitioners who work alongside coaches to “positively impact” the performance of the elite athletes they work with.

He said it was a “privilege” to take on the role, adding: “The EIS is home to some incredible practitioners who everyday support athletes and coaches.

“I am looking forward to observing their work as we head towards Pyeongchang (Winter Olympics 2018) and Tokyo (2020 Summer Olympics), and create an environment in which they continue to thrive and do exceptional work.”

The EIS will begin the search for Dr Currell’s successor as head of performance nutrition.

Nigel Walker, EIS national director, said Dr Currell had “provided exceptional leadership” to the performance nutrition team.

He added that it was a “very exciting time” for the EIS as it “looks to work more closely with UK Sport on a more aligned approach to people development across the system”.