The former Welsh international 400 metres runner works as part of KPMG's healthcare team, risk consulting practice.

She leads the firm's work on healthcare regulation and professional standards, as well as major change projects across the public sector.

"I'm truly delighted to take up this position," said Warnes.

"I'm passionate about the role sport can play in inclusion and equality, which I know are the very ethos of CGW.

"I've been lucky enough to be a mentor on the Women Ahead leadership programme connecting business and elite sport and I'm also a member of the Advisory Board of the Women's Sport Trust, and these have given me further insight which I shall bring to the CGW role."

Warnes, a graduate of Cardiff University with an MBA from the University of Wales, has worked at KPMG since 2001. 

"Commonwealth Games Wales is no longer an organisation that appears every four years, it now has an everyday purpose with significant responsibilities and accountability," said CGW chair Helen Phillips. 

"It is essential that the Board is robust and represented by a field of highly skilled individuals that are passionate about sport in Wales and driven to do the very best for the athletes.

“Claire’s not just an expert in the field of governance and policy but has a significant appreciation why our athletes are at the heart of all our decisions.

"We are grateful to KPMG for supporting Claire to undertake this role, a role that I have no doubt as a proud Welsh person she will relish and make significant difference whilst doing so.”

CGW is due to make another major announcement on Monday (April 4) with the appointment of its Chef de Mission for Gold Coast 2018.

The announcement has been timed to coincide with two years to go until the start of the Games in Australia.