Barwick, who will take up the position at the end of January, replaces Mark Palios who resigned in August amid newspaper allegations over his private life.
The FA board interviewed three candidates yesterday – and confirmed Barwick’s appointment late last night.
He had been widely tipped to land the position. Richard Bowker and John Heaton are understood to have been the two unlucky candidates.
Barwick has been controller of ITV Sport since February 1998, and prior to that spent 18 years at the BBC, where he was senior editor of the channel’s 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cup coverage, as well as editor of its flagship highlights show, Match of the Day.
FA chairman, Geoff Thompson, said: “We had a very strong shortlist of candidates but, in Brian, we have found an exceptional individual with the qualities and experience to lead a talented team of people at the FA.
“The FA is committed to the continued development of the game at every level, the highest standards of governance and the successful redevelopment of Wembley Stadium. This is good news for the FA and for English football.”
Brian Barwick said: “It has been a momentous day for me personally. I am looking forward to taking up the challenge of leading the FA into their next era.”
