The 36-year-old stepped away from international cricket earlier this month following the India Test series and has some major shoes to fill at Chelmsford following the retirement of Sir Alastair Cook at the end of last season
Dean Elgar has been confirmed to join Essex on a three-year deal.
As reported by The Cricketer in December, the ex-South Africa captain has signed up following his retirement from international cricket after the India Test series.
Sir Alastair Cook called time on his cricket career at the end of last term, leaving Essex with a chasm at the top of the order.
Formerly of Surrey - where he won the County Championship during his second stint in 2018 - and Somerset, the left-hander scored 5,347 runs at 37,92 in 86 Tests. He signed off his penultimate appearance with his 14th century; 185 against India at his home ground at Centurion.
Elgar's first-class record is also impressive - 16,676 runs at 41.79 with 48 hundreds and 68 fifties - and will hope to bring that success to the top of the Essex order alongside Nick Browne, who signed a contract extension this winter.
"I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter of my cricketing journey with Essex.," said the 36-year-old.
"The club have been pushing for honours in recent years and I’m eager to contribute to further success.
Alastair Cook called time on his cricket career at the end of last summer (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my previous experiences in county cricket and I'm really looking forward to joining up with the squad ahead of the season."
Head coach Anthony McGrath added: "Dean brings a wealth of talent and experience that will undoubtedly strengthen our squad for the 2024 season.
"He has had an outstanding career in Test cricket and has demonstrated to the world his desire to score runs at the highest level, right up until he retired.
"His achievements in the international arena speak volumes about his capabilities and we are excited to witness his impact at Essex."
Joining fellow newcomer Jordan Cox, who has joined from Kent ahead of the 2024 season, both are due to travel on the club's pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi in March and are available for the opening Championship against Nottinghamshire starting on April 5.
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