US Edition McLeish, who succeeds Gerard Houllier, has signed a three year deal worth £2 million a year.
He is the first manager to cross the 'Second City' since Ron Saunders exchanged Aston Villa for Birmingham City in 1982 and his first act was to attempt to pacify Villa's fans.
he told supporters struggling to comprehend his appointment that he would "give absolutely everything" to convince them he was the right choice.
"The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible," said McLeish, who claimed constructive dismissal when he resigned on as Birmingham manager on Sunday.
"The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter. I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why. It will be up to me to convince you I am the right man.
"I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's.
"Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned. My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa.
"I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why. It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the club."