Ian Thomas, who has been director of children’s services (DCS) in Derbyshire since August 2011, will take over at Rotherham in January.
News of his appointment comes seven weeks after the authority’s previous DCS Joyce Thacker resigned.
Her resignation was one of several at the authority following the publication in August of an independent inquiry report that estimated at least 1,400 children had been sexually exploited in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
The report was highly critical of the handling of CSE by both Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police.
Findings made during an inspection carried out in the wake of the report led to Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw flagging up “widespread and serious failures” in child protection at the authority.
This led to Education Secretary Nicky Morgan last month appointing an independent commissioner to oversee children’s services in the Yorkshire town.
Under Thomas's leadership, Derbyshire County Council received a "good" rating from Ofsted under the new single inspection framework introduced last year.
It is one of only nine of the first 33 authorities inspected under the new framework (27 per cent) to have achieved that level.
Thomas first joined Derbyshire in 2006 as an assistant director. Prior to that he was an assistant director at Trafford Council.
A spokeswoman for Rotherham Council said that, given the urgent nature of the appointment, Thomas has been appointed on interim basis.
Thomas said he felt "privileged" to be joining Rotherham to lead the transformation of children's services.
"That system is a partnership involving not only the council but many others, including the police; health services; voluntary, community and independent sectors; and families themselves, who will have to play a role in supporting our children to grow and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.
"I’m confident in Rotherham’s future and am looking forward to working with the many people I have already met who are absolutely dedicated to this cause – elected members, senior officers and the dedicated staff delivering services on the front line.”
Paul Lakin, leader of Rotherham Council, said Thomas's appointment is "great news" for the council.
"His track record speaks for itself, and we’re delighted that Rotherham will benefit from Ian’s substantial experience and expertise – including his work at a national level.”
Ian Stephenson, chief executive of Derbyshire County Council, said: “I am absolutely sure Ian’s experience and excellent reputation nationally will set him in good store at Rotherham and we wish him well as he prepares to face new challenges.”
