Speaking at the NCB's first board meeting on Friday, Professor Malcolm Grant, chairman of the special health authority, announced the appointment.
‘I am delighted that Sir Bruce has been confirmed today as designate national medical director for the NHS Commissioning Board Authority,' he said.
‘Sir Bruce has an outstanding reputation and an excellent track record in leading improvements in quality and outcomes. [He] is the ideal person to lead us in building a clinically led system that is focused on outcomes.’
Sir Bruce will split his time between working as NHS Medical Director and his new role on the NHS Commissioning Board Authority.
The NCB also announced that former director of finance and investment at NHS Midlands and East Paul Taylor, had been offered the role of designate interim director of finance.
Subject to passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, the NCB will be invited to confirm these and other appointments once it is fully established next year.
