Jeremy Till, who is currently dean of the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Westminster, will take over from Jane Rapley in August.
He said that one of his main priorities would be ensuring that the college was “agile” enough to cope with the rapidly changing landscape in UK higher education.
Professor Till is a past winner of the Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) sustainability prize and a three time recipient of the RIBA president’s award for research.
Nigel Carrington, rector of University of the Arts London, of which Central Saint Martins is part, said: “Jeremy has a tremendous track record as a creative practitioner and as an academic leader.
“He knows our sector well and has been working very successfully in the tough environment in which all universities now find themselves.”
The appointment comes at a time of change for the college.
In November, the institution moved into a new building in King’s Cross, bringing all of its disciplines under a single roof for the first time.
Professor Till said: “Although these are potentially volatile times for UK higher education, Central Saint Martins is well-positioned to face the future with confidence.”