Whitton will join the airline on August 1 from American Express, where she currently holds the position of vice-president of consumer card product management.
She will be responsible for developing the airline's global marketing communications strategy and delivery of its marketing activity in the UK and Ireland. Whitton will report to Tiffany Hall, head of marketing and distribution.
Hall said: "[Katherine] brings to the role a wealth of experience in a variety of industries, which will provide a fresh perspective and take our in-house team from strength to strength."
Whitton said: "I am relishing the prospect of joining one of the UK's most high profile and prestigious brands. British Airways has long had a reputation for producing some of Britain's most iconic advertising and has led the industry in its marketing communications.
"It is an exciting time to join British Airways. The highly competitive nature of the airline industry will make this an extremely challenging yet stimulating role."
She began her career at a UK subsidiary of global firm Transamerica, specialising in financial services before moving to agencies Publicis Financial -- formerly City Financial Marketing -- and then Rapier.
Whitton has worked on various financial services accounts, as well as managing the Eurostar and Virgin Atlantic accounts.
She joined American Express in 1999 where she has held several marketing roles with responsibilities that included AmEx's membership rewards loyalty programme, advertising, brand management, card member communications and card partnerships.