43-year-old Lewis (pictured) is a former Olympic, European and Commonwealth heptathlete champion.
In 2011 she was inducted into the England Athletics Hall Of Fame.
Lewis succeeds double Olympic gold medallist Kelly Holmes in the role.
Ian Metcalfe, chairman at Commonwealth Games England, says: “Team England topped the medals table at last year’s Commonwealth Games and we understand the scale of the challenge to repeat the feat in Australia in 2018.
“Denise will bring valuable experience to our senior leadership team and will provide vital guidance to Team England athletes as we look to match that remarkable medal winning performance on the Gold Coast.”
As well as providing leadership and guidance to the organisation, Lewis will also focus on developing the next generation of athletes, playing a pivotal role in leading Team England into the next Commonwealth Games, to be held at Australia’s Gold Coast in 2018.
She says: “The Commonwealth Games is a very special event that every athlete wants to experience.
“Winning in 1994 and 1998 were some of the highlights of my career. I particularly enjoyed the unique feel of the Games and the experience of being part of Team England.
“Having been involved in numerous multisport events, I understand what support is needed in order to allow athletes to prepare and compete to the best of their potential.”
