Former Tesco.com Chief Executive, John Browett, has been appointed Chair of the newly established Online NHS Trust.
The organisation will oversee delivery of the NHS's planned virtual specialist care service, NHS Online.
The appointment follows the formal establishment of the Trust, which will provide patients with access to specialist consultations through the NHS App and video appointments when services begin rolling out from 2027.
Browett has previously held senior leadership positions at Tesco.com, Dixons, Apple and Dunelm, and currently serves as Chair of the Institute of Directors.
The new appointee has also held non-executive roles with Octopus Group and EasyJet.
NHS Online is expected to deliver up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments during its first three years of operation.
Initial services will focus on conditions including menopause and menstrual health issues, prostate conditions, recurring urinary tract infections and iron deficiency anaemia.
Patients referred for specialist care by their GP will be able to choose NHS Online through the NHS App, allowing them to connect with clinicians remotely rather than attending hospital appointments in person.
Tests, scans and procedures will continue to take place at local healthcare facilities where required.
The government says the service is intended to improve access to specialist care and help reduce waiting lists by increasing the use of virtual consultations where clinically appropriate.
The Online NHS Trust has also appointed a number of non-executive directors as it prepares for the launch of services.