Barwick has been with ITV since 1998, and prior to this he was with the BBC for 18 years, including an eight-year stint as editor of 'Match Of The Day'. He also oversaw two World Cups before being made head of sport.
Known as a passionate football fan, Barwick was crucial in persuading another BBC stalwart, Des Lynam, to quit the corporation and move over to ITV. Lynam is reported to have been one of his referees for the FA job. He also secured exclusive rights for the 2003 Rugby World Cup for ITV, the tournament that was won by England.
Barwick replaces Mark Palios as chief executive of the FA, following the scandal over his affair with a secretary at the association, Faria Alam. Although he denied doing anything wrong in the affair with Alam, it was claimed that he had offered the News Of The World details of Sven-Goran Ericksson's relationship with the same woman in exchange for keeping quiet about him.
Palios resigned from the FA in August, with Barwick to take over on January 31 next year.
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 its next era. I must place on record sincere thanks to my colleagues at ITV for their support and understanding during this period."
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