Ritchie, previously the Great Britain pathway manager for park and pipe, will lead the BSS performance strategy across all of the Olympic disciplines.

He will work alongside performance director Dan Hunt and will be responsible for aligning all pathway activity. 

This will be at British level but he will also work closely with governing bodies in England, Scotland and Wales.

The role is seen as key to developing the talent pool in Britain, with BSS aiming to be a top five ski and snowboard nation by 2030.

Another aim is to be podium competitive in every discipline by the same year.

"After a thorough recruitment process I am delighted Mark has accepted the role of Head of Talent," said Hunt.  

"Mark has proven history in talent development and has demonstrated his capability within the park and pipe pathway.  

"I'm looking forward to seeing the overall talent strategy emerge and extend across all the BSS Olympic disciplines.  

"This is a key role for BSS as we increase our ambition as a snowsports nation."

The first phase of the role will be to develop the strategy that aligns BSS' development of snowsport athletes and creates sustainable pathways for all Olympic disciplines.