Mr Lansley has named Professor Malcolm Grant as his preferred choice to head up the independent body.
Professor Grant is expected to take up the chairmanship at the end of October 2011, subject to screening by the House of Commons health select committee.
Professor Grant is currently president and provost of University College London (UCL). He is a qualified barrister and academic lawyer with experience of public service, including the Local Government Commission, Higher Education Funding Council for England and as a UK business ambassador.
Professor Grant said: ‘I am honoured to be named the preferred choice for this vital role.
'I am passionate about the NHS and see the Commissioning Board as playing a key part in delivering a service which meets the future needs of patients and of the nation.’
Mr Lansley said: ‘I am delighted to announce Professor Malcolm Grant as the preferred candidate for chair of the NHS Commissioning Board.
'Professor Grant has distinction and authority, is outstandingly capable and has excellent leadership skills, demonstrated by his success at UCL. He has a strong track record of delivery in complex public sector organisations, and shares the public sector ethos and values of the NHS.'
The NHS Commissioning Board will ‘ensure a comprehensive system of clinical commissioning groups, and supporting and holding them to account,’ the DoH said.
The NHS Commissioning Board’s other responsibilities will include commissioning primary medical care services, allocating NHS resources and reducing inequalities in access to healthcare.
