Venerable Ashcroft replaces Rt Revd Christopher Edmondson, who's stepping down after eight years of service.
After studying at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Mark Ashcroft served his curacy in Burnage in the Diocese of Manchester and then taught in Kenya for four years.
He then served in various positions across the Diocese of Manchester before eventually becoming Archdeacon and now Bishop of Bolton.
Mark Ashcroft said: "I am honoured and thrilled to have been appointed the next Bishop of Bolton.
Greater Manchester is a fantastic place to live and serve, and I am looking forward to getting to know and love the communities and churches of Rossendale, Salford, Bury, Bolton and parts of Wigan for which I will have particular responsibility as Bishop of Bolton.
"It is a great privilege to be able to share the good news of Jesus, and to encourage and lead the church in being a blessing to their communities.
"I already know that I have wonderful colleagues to share this ministry with."
The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Dr David Walker said: "I am delighted that Archdeacon Mark has accepted the crown's invitation to be the next Bishop of Bolton.
"Having worked with him as a colleague, I know that he has the requisite gifts and skills, and that this new role will give him a base from which to offer even more to God and the Church."
Married to Sally, the Ashcrofts have 3 children.
Mark's interests include gardening, bird watching and dog-walking and the supporting England's national sports teams.
