Updated: 4:17 p.m.

Vice President Joseph Biden announced Friday that Bruce Reed will be his new chief of staff.

Reed, who will also take the title of assistant to the president, most recently served as executive director of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, better known as the Bowles-Simpson Commission. Before that, he served as chief domestic policy adviser to President Bill Clinton and was a deputy campaign manager for the Clinton/Gore campaign. He replaces Ron Klain, who announced earlier this month that he is leaving to become the president of Case Holdings, the holding company of AOL co-founder Steve Case.

“I’ve known and admired Bruce for over 20 years,” Biden said in a statement. “We worked closely together to pass the crime bill in the 1990s and I’ve frequently sought his advice and counsel in the years since. He brings a unique blend of experience and perspective to this position and his leadership will be a tremendous asset to my office, and to the entire White House.”

Biden also announced that Michael Donilon will return to his previous position as counselor to the vice president.

“His wit, humor and guidance have been missed and we are all very happy to have him back,” Biden said.

But progressive groups criticized the hire as more evidence of the White House bringing corporate voices into its fold. Earlier this month, President Barack Obama named former Commerce Secretary and JPMorgan Chase executive William Daley as his new chief of staff.

“It’s unfortunate that this administration keeps gravitating towards individuals who push policies that benefit big corporations over regular Americans,” said Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of Progressive Change Campaign Committee, noting that the Bowles-Simpson Commission recommended raising the retirement age.