He will join the company in February 2016 and also gains a seat on the developers executive committee.
Previously, Mr Madelin was with rival developer Argent, joining in 1987 and acting as Chief Executive/Joint Chief Executive from 1997 – 2012.
He was responsible for leading a number of developments, leading the Argent team in 2000 to bring forward the 67 acre King's Cross development.
British Land has spent five years assembling the Canada Water site, which includes Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Harmsworth Quays and Surrey Quays Leisure Park.
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The combined sites have a potential of approximately 5.5 million sq ft of office, retail, residential, leisure, educational and community space.
A planning application for the Canada Water Masterplan is expected to be submitted by the end of next year.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Madelin said: "The combination of the physical opportunity at Canada Water, working with British Land and with the thoughtful and ambitious London Borough of Southwark was an opportunity too exciting to turn down.
Chris Grigg, Chief Executive of British Land, added: "Development is a core part of our business: we are very focused on areas of London which will benefit from growth and regeneration.
"Canada Water provides an exceptional and exciting opportunity to create a mixed-use scheme with office, retail, residential, leisure and community space.
"Roger Madelin is a highly experienced developer and brings enormous experience of delivering major mixed-use developments."
(LM/CD)
