Pulis will be involved in the selection process, and there is no suggestion that it will impact on his position at the Hawthorns, but Peace believes the appointment is vital to Albion’s short-term future.
Ashworth established an impressive reputation during his time at West Brom, working his way up from the academy to become the club’s sporting and technical director.
It was during Roy Hodgson’s spell that Ashworth’s reputation soared and three years ago he became the FA’s director of elite development.
Peace believes Ashworth has not been properly replaced and wants to appoint a man with football experience and ideally wants him in place well before the start of the next campaign.
The move suggests that Peace will not be selling the club any time soon, although the West Midlanders remain on the market.
Albion were close to agreeing new ownership last summer with a consortium from the Far East but the Chinese stock market crash wrecked the deal.
Peace abandoned negotiations in July, admitting “it is now clear to me that this potential purchaser is unable to fulfil the terms of that agreement at this time.”
The 59-year-old is renowned as a tough negotiator since he became chairman in 2002, as proven last month with his refusal to sell striker Saido Berahino, yet Albion have become a prudent, financially stable club under his ownership.
Albion are on course to secure another season in the Premier League, with their 1-0 win at Everton taking them eight points clear of the bottom three.
Pulis has come under criticism from supporters over his tactical approach and a perceived lack of ambition this season yet is almost certain to maintain his record of never being relegated as a manager.
The Welshman faces former club Crystal Palace this weekend at the Hawthorns.
- Telegraph