Macmillian Cancer Support chief executive Ciarán Devane has been confirmed as a non executive director of the NHS Commissioning Board.

He is the first non executive member of the commissioning board to be appointed since professor Malcolm Grant became its chair in October.

Mr Devane will take up the post on 1 January 2012, for which he will be paid £7,883 for around two days per month.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: “Ciarán Devane has a strong track record of success and a passionate commitment to improving care for patients. I am delighted that he is bringing his unrivalled expertise to this important role.”

Mr Devane joined Macmillian in 2007 and has formerly worked for ICI, Gemini Consulting and served as chair of a UK housing association.

He also serves as a member of the Cancer Outcomes Strategy Implementation Advisory Group, the National Stakeholder Forum of the NHS and is a member of the health and work network of the Responsibility Deal.