The 26-year-old Yorkshire batter will lead England in both One-Day Internationals and Twenty20s, ending speculation that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would split the role between formats.
Brook, who has played 44 T20s and 26 ODIs, previously served as vice-captain under Buttler and briefly led the ODI side during a five-match series against Australia in September.
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Managing director Rob Key confirmed the decision on Monday, saying Brook had long been part of England’s leadership plans.
“Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer, but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams,” Key said.
“This opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected, but he is ready to drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and global tournaments.”
Brook, a key figure in England’s multi-format squads, will have a packed schedule. His first assignment as full-time captain will be a limited-overs home series against West Indies, featuring three ODIs and three T20s from 29 May to 10 June.
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The series follows a solitary Test against Zimbabwe and precedes England’s home Test series against India later in the summer. England’s white-ball calendar resumes in September with series against South Africa and Ireland, followed by a tour to New Zealand in November.
Brook’s first major ICC tournament as captain will be the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
He was due to play in the 2025 Indian Premier League but withdrew to manage his workload after a disappointing personal campaign in the Champions Trophy. Despite concerns over his availability across formats, the ECB’s move allows Test captain Ben Stokes to focus solely on red-ball cricket.
Brook called the appointment a lifelong dream come true. “Ever since I was a kid playing at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of playing for Yorkshire and England – and maybe one day leading the team,” he said.
“To now be given that chance is a real honour. I’m looking forward to getting started and working towards more success with this talented group.”
England have struggled in white-ball cricket since winning the 2022 T20 World Cup. Poor performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup led to Matthew Mott’s sacking as head coach and growing pressure on Buttler, who eventually stepped down following the team’s underwhelming showing in the Champions Trophy.