The First Church Estates Commissioner is the Chair of the Church Commissioners' Assets Committee, a statutory committee, responsible for the strategic management of the Church Commissioners' £7.9 billion investment portfolio.
That includes managing investments across the country based around the Church of England's network of parishes, schools, buildings, chaplaincies and dioceses.
Welcoming her appointment, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said: "Loretta Minghella is a hugely skilled and distinguished leader with an exceptional record of service.
"She has significant experience in the financial markets, law and charity sector and has an outstanding track record in business, investment and economic affairs."
Minghella said: "It is a great honour to be appointed to this post. As First Church Estates Commissioner, I will be able to build on all my experience both in financial services and at Christian Aid and that's part of what is exciting about it.
"The main attraction is to be able to contribute to the Church's role in helping people find meaning in the love and life of Jesus Christ, generating and maintaining funding for the Church and guiding its leadership role in the ethical and responsible investment of its assets.."
Appointed by HM the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, Minghella will take up her new role on 1 November.