Everton have announced on their official website that they have appointed Benitez as their new manager.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle United manager has signed a three-year contract.
Benitez replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who left his role at Goodison Park at the start of the month to return to Spanish and European giants Real Madrid.
The 61-year-old has explained his decision behind taking the Everton managerial role.
Benitez told Everton’s official website: “I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the Club and their desire to bring success to this historic Club.
“I believe this is a Club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great Club achieve its ambitions.”
Everton’s Majority Shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, said: “Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our Club.
“We are appointing Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our Club and to Evertonians. To put it simply - we need to be competing at the top-end of the league and to be winning trophies.
“Rafa is a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally and we have secured the best man to achieve that for us.”