LONDON, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Former Manchester United club director Maurice Watkins has been named as the new chairman of British Swimming, the BBC said on Wednesday.

Watkins will lead the British team through to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio.

He will not be involved in discussions regarding the appointment of GB's new head coach or performance director.

However, Watkins will be responsible for ensuring the recommendations of the review panel are carried out.

British swimmers had a disapointing performance at the London Olympics, winning only three medals. Their performance director Michael Scott and head coach Dennis Pursley both resigned after missing their London 2012 medal target.