Beaumont, Pichot get World Rugby top jobs
Beaumont, 64, succeeds Frenchman Bernard Lapasset and will work alongside newly elected Vice-Chairman Agustin Pichot, the former Argentina captain.
Both men, who stood unopposed, will officially take up their roles on July 1.
"I am honoured to accept the mandate of council to serve as World Rugby chairman at what is an exciting and pivotal time for the sport," said Beaumont.
"Rugby has experienced significant and rapid growth, which is a credit to Bernard Lapasset and his leadership over the past eight years."
Beaumont won 34 caps for England and captained his country to an unexpected Six Nations Grand Slam success in 1980. He also played seven times for the British and Irish Lions.
After retiring, he carved out a career as a regular guest on British television quiz show, A Question of Sport, before returning to rugby as an administrator.
He has represented England on the International Rugby Board since 1999, managed the Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 and became Rugby Football Union chairman in 2012.
"The sport is in excellent health and over the next four years there will be many great opportunities to further develop and grow the game," Beaumont added.
"However, we cannot be complacent. Rugby, like all sports, faces challenges and my manifesto outlines the five priorities focused on addressing these.
"These priorities are continuing to protect players, preserving integrity, enhancing global competition, optimising partnerships and empowering and strengthening unions.
"I will nurture the roots of rugby, our fundamental values and financial security and will make rugby decisions for rugby reasons.
"As World Rugby Chairman, I will work with unions over the next four years to deliver healthy, sustainable growth for the game we all love."
Pichot said his new role for World Rugby was an example of how far Argentine rugby has come in the world game.
"This appointment is an honour Argentine rugby… This is a reward for Argentine rugby and not just for me as a person," said Pichot in Ireland.
"I have enormous respect for Bill, who was one of the greatest players in the history of England and for the British and Irish Lions.
"In recent years he has become a great leader, so it is an honour for me to join him and be part of his team."
Lapasset served as chairman for eight years, over two terms, but decided not to seek a third term in order to focus on leading the Paris bid for the 2024 Olympic Games.
"Rugby is in great shape around the world, and I am proud that I vacate the position after eight wonderful years, during which we have achieved record participation, increased interest and engagement, Olympic inclusion and record-breaking Rugby World Cups," Lepasset said.
"I leave with a dynamic new governance model implemented, and I am delighted that my colleague and friend, Bill Beaumont – with a clear vision and strong passion for the global development of rugby – will drive the game into this exciting period."
Agence France-Presse
