Albion have made chief executive Paul Barber deputy chairman.

The decision was approved unanimously by the club's directors at a board meeting today and he will take on the new combined role with immediate effect.

Chairman Tony Bloom said: "During his six-and-a-half years as the club's chief executive, Paul has overseen a sustained period of growth for the Albion, on and off the pitch.

"In recognition of the way the club is growing and developing, the board has decided that in addition to his current responsibilities as our chief executive, Paul will become deputy chairman of the club. It is a promotion that is well deserved.

"Paul has declined recent opportunities to pursue roles at bigger clubs, preferring instead to invest his energies and considerable football experience to help establish our club in the Premier League. The club’s board and I am delighted he has chosen this option."

Barber joined Albion as chief executive in June 2012 in succession to Ken Brown, following spells with Spurs, the FA and Vancouver Whitecaps.

He is currently a member of The FA Council and also serves as one of The FA's international ambassadors. Last week he was appointed to the Professional Game Board as a Premier League representative, replacing outgoing Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis who is joining AC Milan.

Sources dismissed a recent report linking Barber with a return to the FA as chief executive.