The appointment would be effective from April 8, the Kolkata-headquartered firm said today.
"The board of directors of the company appointed Nirupama Rao, IFS (Retd), as an Additional Independent Director of the company with effect from April 8, 2016," ITC informed the BSE.
However, the appointment would be subject to the approval of the members at its next general meeting, it added.
Rao was Indian Foreign Service officer of 1973 batch, who served as India's Foreign Secretary from 2009 to 2011.
During her career, she also held the post of India's Ambassador to the United States, China and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka.