Ford, who leaves Five later this month but has not yet agreed a start date at Channel 4, is perhaps best known for bringing US shows such as 'Joey', 'The Shield' and the 'CSI' franchise to the channel.
Dromgoole, who Channel 4 director of television Kevin Lygo describes as a "legend in the industry" after bringing in a string of hits such as 'The Sopranos', 'The West Wing', 'Desperate Housewives' and 'The Simpsons', will stay on until Ford's arrival.
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan added: "Our ability to secure the best acquired programming is of great strategic significance not just for the future funding of Channel 4 but for the rollout of our multichannel strategy.
"We're obviously sad to be losing June with her wealth of experience and unrivalled sector knowledge but delighted that we've got someone of Jeff's calibre to replace her."
Ford joined Five in 1997 from ITV, where he had been controller of acquisitions since 1995. In 2003, he was also made Five's managing editor and in December last year he was given additional responsibility for commissioned drama output.
At Channel 4, he will retain his director of acquisitions title and will have responsibility across Channel 4, E4, More4 and Film Four, reporting directly to Duncan.
Dromgoole joined Channel 4 in 1997 from the BBC, where as head of programme acquisition she brought 'The X-Files', 'The Simpsons', 'The Larry Sanders Show' and 'Seinfeld' to the corporation. Her other acquisitions at Channel 4 include 'Will and Grace', 'The OC' and 'Nip/Tuck'.
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