Vesper had fulfilled the same role at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008.

Thomas Bach, the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), and competitive sports vice-president Christa Thiel, who is also the President of the German Swimming Federation (DSV), will also take up key posts at the head of the German delegation at the Games.

Dr Bernd Wolfarth is the chief team doctor and Klaus Eder is the senior physiotherapist of the team.

Vesper, 59, has been the director general of the DOSB since 2006 having previously enjoyed a successful political career.

He was a founding member of the Green Party in 1979 and was President of its Parliamentary Group between 1983 and 1990.

Vesper will be hoping to guide Germany to finish above Britain in the medals table at London 2012.

In Beijing they finished one place behind Britain in fifth place overall, winning a total of 41 medals, including 16 gold.

"I look forward to the task," said Vesper.

"We want to send a strong team to London that can be competitive in the world rankings.

"Now is the time to focus full attention and to gain as many starting places.

"I wish our athletes every success."

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