Campbell Corrigan, who has headed up numerous high-profile investigations, was confirmed as the force's Chief Constable, following the departure of Steve House.
The 47-year-old was formally handed the position after Mr House was confirmed as the first chief constable of the single Scottish police force last week.
Mr Corrigan, who has spent almost 30 years with Strathclyde Police, said he was, "unbelievably proud," to have been appointed as the force's "last ever" Chief Constable.
He said: "I've always choosen to stay with Strathclyde Police - that has always been very important to me and that remains the same today."
Ayr-born Mr Corrigan has held several positions with the force and led the investigation into the Glasgow Airport terror attack in 2007.
He also headed up the probe into the murder of Michael Lyons, 21, who was shot with two men at an MoT garage in Lambhill, Glasgow, in 2006.
His new role was confirmed at Glasgow City Council's senior appointments committee yesterday, while his old post of deputy will be filled by Rhuaraidh Nicolson, formerly Assistant Chief Constable Crime.
Mr Nicolson's position will be filled by Chief Superintendent Russell Dunn, newly promoted to Assistant Chief Constable.
With seven months tenure in the post, Mr Corrigan vowed to focus, "100% on community policing". But he admitted that working towards a single Scottish police force, which will come into effect in April 1 next year, would bring "challenges".
Speaking about the appointments Councillor Philip Braat, Convener of Strathclyde Police Authority said: "I am very pleased to announce the temporary appointments.
"Each candidate has an exemplary record and I am confident they will continue to work to ensure Strathclyde Police performs to the highest standard as we move towards the establishment of a single police service."
Meanwhile, Mr House, has started visiting police stations around the country to discuss potential job losses.
Last week, he said the merger of the eight forces could lead to 3000 support staff losing their job.
Mr House visited offices in the Central Scotland force area last week and aims to meet as many staff as possible over the next few weeks.
He said: "The cuts are potential, and that's the thing to be focusing on. I understand that it's really concerning for people that their jobs are under threat but I think what would be worse would be pretending that that's not the situation.
"At the moment we don't know exactly how many jobs need to go.
"I think the Government has been very clear in the undertaking that jobs will be lost voluntarily.
"I've met staff to talk about their concerns and their hopes for the new organisation and they were very positive."
Mr House, 54, was appointed head of Strathclyde Police in 2007. He will have a salary of £208,000 in his new post.
rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk
