According to a statement, Dickson has “long been a senior figure in health and social care” and will take over the role from Stephen Dalton on 1 February.
For the last seven years, Dickson has been chief executive of the General Medical Council, and before that was chief executive of health think-tank the King’s Fund.
Dickson began his career as a journalist and for many years was the BBC’s social affairs editor.
NHS Confederation chair Stephen Dorrell said Dickson’s appointment would “add enormous value to the myriad of skills and experience” at the organisation.
He added: “Niall will help ensure the NHS Confederation remains the first port-of-call when the health service needs a voice, binding in the highest levels of experience and influence across the full spectrum of health and care services.”
The NHS Confederation represents 85% of NHS providers and commissioners across the health and social care sector.