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Mercedes GP has announced it has recruited former Renault chief Bob Bell as its new technical director.

His new role, which commences from 1 April, will see Bell reporting to team principal Ross Brawn and heading up the chassis team at Mercedes' Brackley base, allowing Brawn to take more of an overview of both the chassis design and engine parts of the organisation.

In a three-decade motorsport career, Bell worked for McLaren, Benetton and Jordan before coming into the spotlight when he became deputy technical director at Renault in 2001, and then being promoted to technical director two years later.

In the wake of the 'race fixing' scandal erupting in late-2009, Bell became acting Renault team principal following the departures of Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds. He oversaw the transition to the new Genii era and stayed on as managing director until leaving Renault last October.

Bell said he was "delighted and honoured" to become part of Mercedes.

"It will be a privilege to be a part of such a strong and determined organisation, and to be able to contribute to furthering the enviable heritage of Mercedes-Benz in motorsport," he said.

Brawn added: "Bob's appointment is a key step in the strengthening of our excellent technical team and we are pleased to have recruited one of the most experienced engineers in the sport.

"Bob will be an important asset to our team, bringing with him a wealth of Formula 1 knowledge and championship-winning experience, and we look forward to welcoming him at the start of April."