WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health has named Thomas Moriarty as chief policy and external affairs officer, a newly created position.

CVS said Thursday that Moriarty, who has served as executive vice president and general counsel, will bring corporate communications, legal, government affairs and public policy under a single operating unit to manage the company’s external affairs in Washington, D.C., and state capitals nationwide.

Thomas Moriarty

In the expanded role, Moriarty will manage “at the epicenter of corporate strategy and counsel,” according to CVS. The company noted that he will bring an integrated set of capabilities to steer national and state-specific public policy for CVS Health and its businesses.

“The public policy and health care landscapes in the coming months and years will be some of the most important of our time for our communities and country in terms of patient care and strengthening the delivery system,” Moriarty said in a statement. “As a company that touches more than 100 million consumers and patients at multiple points along the health care continuum each year, we have learned valuable lessons on how to drive better patient outcomes and lower health care costs. We look forward to sharing our company’s insights on important policy initiatives as we work collaboratively with elected officials and health care policy experts at the local, state and national levels.”

Moriarty joined CVS Health in 2012 and has held several senior roles, including general counsel, chief strategy officer and chairman of Red Oak Sourcing, the company’s generic drug sourcing venture with Cardinal Health Inc. He will continue to report directly to CVS Health president and chief executive officer Larry Merlo.

CVS added that Moriarty and his team will help promote the company’s role in reshaping a health care industry that is more accessible and affordable and delivers better outcomes for patients.

“Tom has been an integral member of the CVS Health executive team as chief strategy officer and general counsel, and brings a tremendous wealth of public policy expertise to his expanded responsibilities that allow us to bring greater value to the health care system,” Merlo stated. “Tom’s new role will deliver an integrated approach to policy development and external engagement so the company can contribute to the public dialogue and bring forth innovative solutions to important legislative and regulatory proposals. As we work to navigate the changes in health care and policy over the next few years, I am pleased to have Tom leading this effort.”