Story highlights Trump has picked a multi-billionaire, Wall Street veteran to head the Commerce Department.

Part of his job would be to help Trump tackle trade.

Washington (CNN) President-elect Donald Trump picked something of a kindred spirit to run his Department of Commerce.

Wilbur Ross is a former Democrat from New York who has amassed a wealth of billions and become an insurgent force in Republican politics. He was a staunch backer of the incoming president and could soon be in a position to shepherd many of Trump's biggest promises through Washington.

The secretary of commerce is responsible for promoting the nation's businesses and ensuring its markets run well. As part of this task, he or she oversees the country's international trade rules, one of Trump's most frequent targets. Although Ross has advocated for the Trans Pacific Partnership, a potential deal Trump has railed against, he has also signaled opposition to free trade deals in the past. In a CNN interview after Trump's selection, Ross said his first goal would be to renegotiate NAFTA.

What makes Ross right for the job?

He is an industry veteran who knows the ins and outs of the world of finance and has had a bird's eye view of many industries Trump has spoken about, particularly coal and steel. He has swooped in and rescued these businesses and left them in a successful place. Moreover, his shift from the Democratic Party to the GOP suggests some bipartisan credibility.

Read More