Mark Molden replaces Hilton Dawson, who stepped down last month after taking up the post of chief executive at the British Association of Social Workers in April this year.
Molden previously held senior posts in Bristol City Council's children's services department and spent three years working for Barnardo's as a business manager.
He became a trustee of the academy in January this year.
Molden promised to use his new role to highlight the importance of providing parents with support services that have been proven to work.
"Since its inception the parenting academy has delivered significant research and training programmes. I am excited about the opportunity to continue to build on that excellent work. Developing and building on these achievements is crucial so that parents get the help they need to raise their children well," he said.
The changes come almost two months after Dawson warned that the future of the academy was in jeopardy, because of government plans to make efficiency savings.
An unpublished Department for Children, Schools and Families review of the academy is expected to propose that it is merged with the Children's Workforce Development Council, in a bid to save £10m.
The academy has been running for just over 18 months. It was set up using £30m of government cash.
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National Academy of Parenting Practitioners appoints chair
The chief executive of Christian charity, Care for the Family, has been appointed as chair of the National Academy of Parenting Practitioners.
