From 16 July, Ball will guide the communications giant as it looks to harness new opportunities presented by combining entertainment with broadband.
He brings years of senior executive experience in broadcasting and telecommunication businesses to the role, including his time as chief executive of BSkyB from 1999 to 2003.
During the past four years, he has led the turnaround of Kabel Deutschland, which operates cable TV networks in Germany and is now among the fastest growing high-speed broadband providers in Europe.
BT chairman Sir Michael Rake, called Ball's track record "outstanding" and said "his drive, knowledge and experience will prove a tremendous asset to the board".
Earlier this week, Ball announced plans to radically transform ITV's board if he is appointed to succeed outgoing chief executive and chairman, Michael Grade.
He is believed to be planning to replace current board members with new non-executive directors.
ITV shareholders have given the possibility of Ball returning to the broadcaster a mixed reception, with some reported to be unsettled by the lucrative pay package required to lure him.
Today's non-executive appointment still leaves Ball able to assume the ITV role if it were offered, with BT only stipulating a minimum of 22 days service a year for its non exec directors.
In the year ended 31 March 2009, BT Group's revenue was £21,390m.
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