Gertjan Verbeek has been confirmed as the new coach of AZ Alkmaar from next season after agreeing to leave Heracles Almelo.
The 47-year-old has signed a three-year contract after opting to quit Heracles, where he was under contract until 2012. Verbeek will succeed Dick Advocaat, who left his role as coach of Belgium last week and is soon expected to be confirmed as Russia boss.
AZ would not reveal the compensation package offered to Heracles. Advocaat succeeded the sacked Ronald Koeman in December on a contract until the end of the season.
Verbeek will become the permanent boss on July 1, having previously taken charge of Heerenveen, Feyenoord and Heracles.
AZ won the title last season, but are well adrift this campaign and are in a fight to secure a Europa League place next term. The 47-year-old is relishing the task ahead.
He said on AZ's official website: "With the philosophy and ambition of AZ, I am convinced that there is a great challenge in Alkmaar.
"In AZ I find a club with a good organisation and excellent facilities. "The last few years were characterised by a firm and consistent policy, driven and implemented by knowledgeable people.
"All this has led to sporting success and a very talented team."
AZ director of football Marcel Brands was thrilled with the appointment. He said: "With Verbeek AZ have found a trainer that fits the philosophy of the club.
"Both in Heerenveen and Heracles Almelo, he showed he developed young players and achieved good results.
"We were looking for a Dutch coach, with discipline a high priority and ambitions which match the players from AZ.
"Gertjan Verbeek meets those criteria."
A statement on Heracles' official website read: "The club thanks Gertjan for his commitment and contribution to the further growth of the club last year and expect that his staff and players finish the season and play-offs professionally.
"Heracles Almelo regrets his departure and wish him every success next season in Alkmaar."
There is the intriguing prospect - should AZ fail to finish fourth in the Eredivisie - of Verbeek's current and future teams meeting in the play-off for a Europa League spot.
