West Ham have appointed German Tim Steidten as technical director following success in a similar role in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
The club said the 44-year-old, who will be responsible for West Ham's player recruitment strategy, is known for his data-led approach to scouting.
He will work alongside manager David Moyes and sporting director Mark Noble.
"Tim's appointment is key to our wider plans to drive our football strategy forward," said chairman David Sullivan.
West Ham are set to lose captain Declan Rice to Arsenal in a £105m deal as they prepare for a third successive season in European competition.