Foster will work with Future's print and web publishers to devise and lead commercial and publishing strategies for brand extensions and stand-alone websites.
The publisher has been without dedicated digital leadership since the departure of head of online David Maher-Roberts last year, but Foster will have a broader, more commercially focused remit.
Future publishes 70 websites in the UK with a combined audience of 3.5 million unique web users, according to the publisher's own figures.
It recently launched the technology news site tech.co.uk and plans further launches in creative design, sport and music.
After several profit warnings and a subsequent refocusing of the company under chief executive Stevie Spring, Future is looking to protect its specialist fields against increasing pressure from web start-ups and social networking sites.
Foster's appointment follows the hiring of Daniel Ward-Lee as digital commercial director and Matt Woods as digital marketing director in March.
Future last week promoted managing director Robert Price to the new role of chief executive of Future UK, with group publishing director Simon Wear becoming chief operating officer. Several publishing roles were also realigned.
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