King has decided to leave his post at the Australian Cricket Academy

The 39-year-old succeeds Gus Logie, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent despite the team winning the ICC Champions Trophy.

"I look forward to this assignment I am confident the West Indies will be once again a force to be reckoned with in both forms of the game," said King.

King was offered the job last year but turned it down to carry on as coach of the Australian Cricket Academy.

He joined the Academy after guiding Queensland to three consecutive state championships from 1999/2000 to 2001/02.

King signed a three year deal and his first assignment for West Indies is likely to be the one-day series in Australia in January.

Have Your Say Is King the right choice?

West Indies Cricket Board chief executive Roger Brathwaite said the new coach would have sweeping powers, as well as ultimate reponsibility for the side's performance.

"He will be a member of the selection panel with a casting vote and will be responsible for the selection of the final XI as well as determining strategies for the game," said Brathwaite.

"It follows therefore that he will be accountable for the performance of the team and will be judged accordingly in relation to his contract."

Interim team manager Tony Howard has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis while former West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers has been appointed as a technical consultant to the team.