Evans replaces departed league football chief Adrian Anderson who resigned late into 2012 after nine years in the position.
Evans said he was delighted to join the league's executive operations and management team.
He has overseen Hawthorn's continued run as an AFL power for the past nine years, including an unexpected premiership in 2008.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou made the announcement and welcomed the accomplished Hawks football boss into the league.
Evans will oversee the league's operations as well as significantly expanded responsibilities in the AFL integrity with on-going scrutiny with an intensive investigation from Australia's Sports Anti-Doping Authority through the league and other national sporting codes.
Evans commenced his AFL management career at Melbourne in the late 1990s as media communications boss and quickly moved into football operations and Demons player welfare.
Evans confessed he wants his management actions to justify his appointment, as opposed to making any early projections.
"I'd rather get runs on the board and let other people worry about the rhetoric," said Evans.
"I was absolutely delighted to accept Andrew's offer to join his executive team.
"This is the best sport and the best sporting administration going around.
"I look forward to bringing some of my skills and experiences to that team."