Richard Arnold will replace Ed Woodward as Manchester United’s most senior executive on 1 February.
Woodward stated his intention to leave his role as executive vice-chairman last spring amid the fallout from the doomed European Super League project.
Arnold, 50, joined United in August 2007 and has been the club’s managing director since 2013.
He will become chief executive in a change of title from Woodward.
“I am honoured to have the chance to serve this great club and its fans,” Arnold said. “I am determined to return that honour in any way I can.”
Woodward replaced David Gill in 2013 when the club won the last of its 20 league titles. United have failed to achieve much since then.
In that time they won the FA Cup in 2016, plus the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017.
Woodward will remain on the football club board until the end of the season, which will involve attending a couple of meetings.