Howland, aged 41, has had 20 years global experience in sports marketing, working with a network of international companies, governing bodies and sponsors.
Howland, a successful businessman, was formerly chief executive of World Sport Group Europe and the Ladies European Golf Tour.
Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of World Snooker, announcing the appointment, said: "I promised the players when I became chairman that we would bring in people of the highest calibre and I hope they will feel that is what we have done with Tim. I am delighted that he has said 'yes' without too much persuasion."
Tim Howland said: "I am looking forward to the challenge. Snooker has had a difficult time recently but I know we can turn it round and enjoy better times in the future. I am impressed by the unity, determination and experience of the new board members and the work that has already been done by Sir Rodney since he took up the Chairmanship.
"There is a lot to be positive about. Snooker has more TV coverage than any other sport with the exception of football and that is a strength which we can exploit. We have great characters playing the sport, and many new talented youngsters coming through. I hope to use my experience of international sport to seek out commercial opportunities around the world," he added.
Tim Howland began his career with Screen Sport, the first Pan-European cable and satellite channel. He then moved on to Cheerleader Productions CSI (now Octagon CSI) dealing with television production and rights and sales distribution. Clients included the Premier League, the Football Association, Italian Serie A and ten Rugby Unions.
He became the sales and marketing director for the Asia PGA Tour from its launch in 1995, working for the Asia Sport Group based in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.
In 1998 he established the European Office of Asia Sport Group, which later became World Sport Group. He managed the successful Wales Ryder Cup bid 2010 on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales and Celtic Manor.
