NZR board chair Brent Impey announced Robinson's appointment following an intense recruitment process over the past two months.
Robinson, 45, officially takes up his new role in early January 2020, taking over from outgoing CEO Steve Tew, who announced in June, that he was standing down.
"We are delighted that Mark has put his hand up for this role. He has been an incredibly insightful director on the board, and at the international rugby table, he has been a sound and respected voice," Impey said.