Ms FitzPatrick will take overall responsibility for reviewing on-screen content, including improving the portrayal of ethnic minorities and disabled people, when she takes up her post in July.
Commenting on her new appointment, Ms FitzPatrick said: "I see my role as enhancing the BBC's programming by opening it up to diverse talents and voices in a way that will deepen its relationship with all its audience."
Instead of just 'meeting quotas or box-ticking', Ms FitzPatrick plans to take up director general Mark Thompson's 'Creative Future' blueprint to ensure the corporation's programmes and content meet the diverse cultural needs of its varied audiences and honestly reflect issues in their lives.
Jana Bennett, BBC director of television, added: "The creation of this new role reflects our commitment to putting audiences at the heart of what we do at the BBC.
"Mary FitzPatrick has a formidable track record in marrying outstanding diverse talent with a range of genres and great productions."
Ms FitzPatrick, who started her career as a director and producer at the BBC, will leave her post as editorial manager of cultural diversity at Channel 4 to take up the new role.
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