Frank McKenna, the former premier of New Brunswick and ambassador to the United States, has been appointed deputy chairman of the board of directors of TD Bank.

The appointment to the board is effective May 1.

“We are thrilled that Frank will be adding his knowledge and expertise to our already strong senior executive team,” said TD president and CEO, Ed Clark. “Frank’s experience here in Canada and in the United States will be an asset to TD as we work to reinforce our market presence and grow our businesses in both countries.”

McKenna will be responsible for supporting the bank in its customer acquisition strategy, particularly in wholesale and commercial banking. He will also be responsible for representing TD as it expands its North American presence.

McKenna stepped down as Canada’s ambassador on March 1 in the wake of the Conservatives’ minority government victory in the Jan. 23 federal election. McKenna had been Canada’s ambassador in Washington since March 2005.

“I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to be associated with projects and organizations that are important to me personally and that I think are important to Canada,” McKenna said in a release. “Joining TD fulfilled both of those aspirations.”

First elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in 1982, McKenna became the Premier of New Brunswick in 1987. After serving as Premier for 10 years, McKenna returned to the practice of law and served on a number of corporate boards, before being appointed Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S.

McKenna graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, completed his post-graduate studies in political science at Queen’s University and graduated from the University of New Brunswick Law School.