Warren Gatland has signed a four-year deal to become head coach of the Chiefs.
Gatland will relinquish his role as Wales boss after this year's World Cup in Japan and will return to New Zealand to begin his new position in his native Hamilton for the 2020 season.
The 55-year-old has already been announced as the British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2021 tour to South Africa and will be allowed a break to lead the team for his third consecutive tour.
The in-demand boss assisted Ian McGeechan in South Africa in 2009 before winning the 2013 series in Australia and drawing with New Zealand in 2017.
He has coached Wales since 2008, winning four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, and has the chance to become the first Lions head coach to remain unbeaten on tours to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Gatland said: "I am really excited about the opportunity to come back home. The opportunity to come back as head coach of the Gallagher Chiefs is something that I am really looking forward to.
"The Chiefs are well known for the success they've had both on and off the field and the really loyal support they have from everyone within the Chiefs region.
"I am excited to come back and be a part of the Chiefs community with the players, the fans, the sponsors. It's something I really look forward to."
Gatland is a former Waikato Rugby Union head coach and was the technical adviser for the Chiefs in 2006.
Chris Lendrum, head of professional rugby for New Zealand Rugby, said: "This is an outstanding appointment and a coup for the Chiefs, for Investec Super Rugby and for the game in New Zealand generally.
"We are excited to have a coach of Gats' experience and international standing coming back into our environment."
Chief executive of the Chiefs, Michael Collins, added: "Warren is a world-class coach who boasts a proven track record. With a sound rugby background and his desire to return home to New Zealand and be involved in Super Rugby naturally made him a top choice for the role."
