Former NSW Liberal leader John Brogden has been appointed chairman of Landcom, the state government's property development arm.

The Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard, announced the appointment today.

"Mr Brogden has had an exceptional career in business, government, charities and peak bodies and is eminently suited to the chairman's role," Mr Hazzard said.

"He will bring the business acumen and broader community responsibility needed to chair what is effectively the land development arm of the NSW government."

Mr Brogden is chief executive of the Financial Services Council and will remain in the role.

The appointment comes as the O'Farrell government is undertaking a review of the Planning Act.

The Premier, Barry O'Farrell, served as Mr Brogden's deputy before Mr Brogden quit politics in disgrace in 2005 when it was revealed he propositioned a female journalist at a function and referred to former NSW Premier Bob Carr's Malaysian-born wife, Helena, as a "mail order bride".

He subsequently revealed he was suffering from depression and has since become a national patron of the counselling service Lifeline.

Mr Brogden replaces William Kirkby-Jones, who has retired from the chairmanship of Landcom.

"Landcom has made a significant contribution to Sydney's growth and our environment over more than 30 years," Mr Brogden said in a statement.

"I look forward to working with the government and Landcom's senior executives to provide the well-planned and sustainable homes needed to service NSW's growing population."