Morgan Stanley (MS 0.17%) announced that onetime Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides has rejoined the company. Nides, who served under recently departed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will be vice chairman at the investment bank.

His previous stint at Morgan Stanley lasted from 2005 to 2010. He served as chief operating officer.

Nides' new role is widely defined, although it seems to have a pronounced political slant. According to the company, he "will have a broad mandate focusing on the firm's global clients and other key constituencies around the world. He will also work with senior management on issues related to external and government affairs." He is to report directly to CEO James Gorman.

Nides will also serve on Morgan Stanley's operating and management committees.