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IndyCar has confirmed that Derrick Walker will join the series as its president of operations and competition after the Indianapolis 500.

The long-time team owner and manager will be responsible for all technical and competition aspects of the series.

He will count senior vice president of operations Brian Barnhardt, race director Beaux Barfield and vice-president of technology Will Phillips among those reporting directly to him.

"We're pleased to welcome Derrick Walker to this vital role," said Mark Miles, chief executive officer of Hulman & Company, IndyCar's parent firm.

"We spoke with many of our constituents about an ideal person for this job, and Derrick's name emerged early and often.

"After speaking with many talented candidates, Derrick stood out because his decades of experience in North American open-wheel racing blend ownership and management for his own race teams and other teams.

"He understands how to balance the technical and financial operations of our sport, and his confident leadership will provide a firm, clear direction for long-term IndyCar operations and competition."

A statement released by the series said that Walker's experience would help IndyCar to develop stronger communication with the teams and suppliers in areas including cost management, innovation, formats, development programmes and future technical rules.

Walker said that his new role is the perfect fit for the experience that he has amassed during over four decades in the sport.

"I have had the opportunity to participate in the business of professional racing my entire life, and I have gained valuable experience from many different angles," Walker said.

"Leading the operations and competition aspects of IndyCar is a perfect place to leverage my experiences and relationships to help ensure that IndyCar racing is exciting and engaging for our fans, that our drivers and owners are able to showcase their talents through our events, and that our technical partners are able to use our racing platform for innovation and development."

The 68-year-old Scot moves to the series from his current post as team manager of Ed Carpenter Racing.

Previously, he spent 19 years as team owner of Walker Motorsports (pictured above with Robby Gordon in 1996), and held senior roles at Penske for 13 years.