The Quins director of rugby handed Robshaw the captain's armband for the new season in the belief the 24-year-old England flanker can inspire his team-mates to success.
O’Shea said: "I am delighted to be announcing Chris as our captain. He has been with Quins all his career and not only does he have the full respect of the coaches and players at Quins, but he also has that throughout the Aviva Premiership, both on and off the pitch. I have no doubt Chris will captain the side in his own style and, if all players follow Chris’s attitude in the way he trains and plays the game, then I am sure we can really move forward as a group.
"I would like to thank Will Skinner for the outstanding three years of captaincy which he has given to Harlequins, and I am sure Chris will be looking for support and advice from Will over the coming season. Skinns will be an integral part of the senior leadership group within the squad."
Robshaw, a product of the club's academy will be keen to show the same sort of form that won him the Premiership Player of the Season accolade at the end of the 2008/09 campaign not only helping Quins to prosper, but that of his England ambitions.
He said: "It is a real honour to be a part of such a great club, let alone lead it. There is a wonderful buzz within the squad that runs right the way through, from the academy boys to the first team players, and I am really looking forward to kicking off the season.
"We have a great coaching team here at Quins who will continue to support me in my new role, and the introduction of Conor O’Shea as Director of Rugby has installed a real belief in the squad."
