The 39-year-old King replaces Gus Logie, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent at the end of September just days after West Indies won the ICC Champions Trophy one-day tournament in England.

It is the second time King has been appointed to the job. He was named last year, replacing Roger Harper, but turned it down saying he wanted to stay in Australia.

He joined the Academy after guiding Queensland to three consecutive state championships from 1999-2000 to 2001-02.

"I have always said that the raw talent which the West Indies possesses is equal to any country in the world and I look forward to this assignment not least because it gives me a chance to aid in the development of players at all levels," King said in a statement.

"I feel confident that at the international level, the West Indies will be once again a force to be reckoned with in both forms of the game."

WICB chief executive Roger Braithwaite also said interim team manager Tony Howard had been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.

Howard took over from Ricky Skerritt in March.

Former West Indies all-rounder Garfield Sobers was also appointed as technical consultant to the team.

King signed a three-year deal and his first assignment for West Indies is likely to be the one-day series in Australia in January.

Brathwaite also said the new coach would have sweeping powers, as well as ultimate responsibility for the side's performance.

"He will be a member of the selection panel with a casting vote and will be responsible for the selection of the playing eleven as well as determining strategies for the game," said Brathwaite.

"It follows therefore that he will be accountable for the performance of the team and will be judged accordingly in relation to his contract."