“I know that the last few weeks have not been an easy time for our supporters so I’d like to thank them for their patience throughout this process,” added Moshiri.
“Hopefully now we can come together and be confident about our plans on and off the field. There are some exciting times ahead and I hope the supporters know that they have my full commitment in terms of delivering our ambitions.”
Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was the early favourite after interest from Everton but Benitez had been in pole position for a fortnight after staging several rounds of talks.
Benitez, who kept a home in the area even after leaving Liverpool in 2010, was keen to return to the Premier League.
He is no stranger to walking into a potentially hostile environment after the reception he received when he took over as Chelsea’s interim manager in November 2012 following a long, intense rivalry when he was in charge of Liverpool.
The Spaniard was roundly jeered when he took charge for his first game at home to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge – but was a resounding success, winning the Europa League and guiding them to third place in the Premier League.
The former Napoli and Real Madrid boss joins an Everton side that finished 10th in the Premier League under Ancelotti last season.
Everton begin their 2021-22 season at home to Southampton on 14 August.
The club will confirm the staff who will join Duncan Ferguson and Alan Kelly as part of Benitez’s backroom team in the coming days.
