The 46-year-old is an experienced executive who worked from 2010 to 2015 for world-renowned sportswear brand and FIBA partner Nike.

During this time, he held a number of high-ranking positions, including senior brand director for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and general manager and senior director for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Most recently, he served as an independent brand and marketing consultant for English Premier League football club Chelsea among other companies.

He fills the vacancy left following Alberto Garcia's retirement last month.

"Having the opportunity to lead FIBA Americas is an honour for me," Alves said.

"My relationship with basketball is and always has been much bigger than a game."

Alves is a former basketball player who represented Brazil at youth level and played professionally for nine years in his home country.

After retiring as a player, he graduated with a business degree and specialised in marketing.

While building a career in banking with HSBC, Alves became attracted to the business of sports, which led him to work for Nike.

He is due to assume his new role on August 15.

"Through basketball, I was able to achieve many goals in life and I am now thrilled to give back to the game what it gave to me," Alves said.  

"Developing the National Federations, bringing together our community and growing the game exponentially will be some of our key priorities.

"I cannot put into words how excited and humbled I am to lead this journey with FIBA."

FIBA Americas President Usie Richards added: "Carlos Alves' acceptance of the position of executive director for FIBA in the Americas' regional office is a great opportunity to ensure the continuous growth of basketball in our region.

"With FIBA's planned implementation of the new competition system, and our focus on improving the quality of women's and youth basketball, his presence will be surely welcome."

Patrick Baumann, FIBA’s secretary general, described Alves as being "perfectly suited" for the role.

"We welcome him with open arms," the Swiss said.

"Thanks to his extensive working experience and passion for basketball, he has the ideal profile to fully exploit our sport's great potential in the Americas."