John Shield leaves the BBC on 31 August to become director of corporate affairs, after working at the broadcaster since September 2008.
Shield has held a range of positions in Whitehall including director of communications for the Department of Communities and Local Government and head of news for the then Department for Education and Skills.
He has also served as a senior press officer in Downing Street.
Shield said: ‘I look forward to helping the company build on its current success in delivering high quality services to the public and in helping to shape its future communications.’
His responsibilities will include external and internal communications, public affairs, investor relations and corporate responsibility.
