Browne will begin her role on October 1 after stepping down as the airline’s non-executive director later this week.
Her appointment sees easyJet’s current chief operating officer, Warwick Brady depart the low-cost airline after eight years.
Browne previously led both First Choice Airways from 2002-2007, and Thomson Airways from 2007-2014.
She later became Tui’s chief operating officer for aviation before moving across to the easyJet board last November.
The announcement of Browne’s appointment comes a week before easyJet is due update investors on its summer performance for the first time following the EU referendum result.
EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “I would like to welcome Chris to the executive team at easyJet.
“We know her well - she has an amazing track record in the airline and travel industries. She has significant operational expertise and really understands easyJet. We are all really looking forward to her joining the easyJet team.”
Browne said: "I’m delighted to be joining Carolyn and the great team at easyJet at this exciting time."
