The current head of Dundee College is to lead the new institution formed from the merger with Angus College.
Christina Potter will be in charge when the institution begins operations in November.
She was appointed by the Tayside Partnership Board, the body steering the merger process.
Chairman Kish Srinivasan said: “The merger process is complex and intricate. We have, so far, established that there are no legal or financial impediments to the two colleges merging, and we have now taken the key first step to put in place the management structure for the new college.”
Ms Potter, who has been at Dundee College since 2007, said: “I am delighted to take on this exciting challenge. It is a great privilege to be appointed to lead the new college following the merger which I am confident will create a truly outstanding institution for the communities of Dundee and Angus.”
Angus College principal John Burt, in charge until the merger is complete, said he would work to ensure students continue to have a high-quality learning experience at a time of change.
Unions for academic and support staff at both colleges are worried about the prospect of job losses. The merger is part of a Scottish Government drive to rationalise the further education sector.