Warburton will report to executive director of external relations Emily Walch, the former adviser to business secretary Vince Cable who joined the banking body earlier in the summer.
Warburton is currently director of media at the charity Save the Children, for whom he led the global media unit, including in its response to the ongoing war in Syria, the refugee crisis in Europe and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. He joined the charity in 2013.
Prior to Save, Warburton spent nine years in press teams across Whitehall, including the Home Office and Downing Street, spending nearly two years in the latter as the Prime Minister's chief press officer for home affairs. He previously was a journalist specialising in education and home affairs for national and regional newspapers.
He said: "I am pleased to be joining the BBA at an exciting time for the banking industry. Banks play a vital role in supporting the wider economy. I look forward to helping to communicate how the industry is working to raise standards, drive growth and serve consumers."
The BBA represents 200 members banks operating in 180 countries globally.
