She replaces Brian Stocks, who stepped down as chief executive last December after overseeing the most successful period in the sport's history in Britain.

Allen had been chief executive of Gymnastics Australia since 1997 during which time she oversaw the development and implementation of corporate governance, vision, strategy and business planning.

She had also been in charge of the national high performance plans for all Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.

Alan Somerville, the chairman of British Gymnastics, said: "In appointing Jane Allen, the Board of British Gymnastics are confident they have found an exceptional individual, who not only has experience of the development of world class gymnasts and a true understanding of the complexities within the many disciplines of the sport, but also someone with appropriate and effective executive director experience at CEO level."

Allen is also a former member of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) ruling Council and was head of delegation for the Australian team that competed at major championships between 1999 and 2009, including three Olympics.

Somerville said: "These are exactly the skills and experience necessary to enable Jane to hit the floor running in the British Gymnastics chief executive role, which we believe is mission critical for British Gymnastics in delivering outstanding performance at the 2012 Olympic Games, for the financial sustainability of the sport post-2012 and to meet the on-going requirements of the Government mandate for grass roots development of the sport."

Allen, who officially started her new role yesterday, will have little time to settle into her new role as Britain hosts the European Championships, starting on April 21 and lasting until May 2.

She takes over at an exciting time for British Gymnastics.

Birmingham follows hot on the heels of a successful World Championships staged at the O2 last October where Beth Tweddle (pictured) won the gold medal on the floor and Daniel Keatings claimed silver in the all-round.

There is also Louis Smith, who at Beijing in 2008 won a bronze on the pommel horse, the first British gymnast to win an individual medal at the Olympics since Walter Tysall won silver at London in 1908.

Ken Williamson, the President of Gymnastics Australia, paid a glowing tribute to Allen.

He said: "During her 12 years as chief executive, Jane has provided strong leadership to the organisation and she leaves with a tremendous list of achievements that will have a lasting impact on the sport.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the entire period of her time with the organisation.

"I commend Jane for the great personal commitment and effort that she has devoted to her role."

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