The Department for Work and Pensions has appointed Anthony Arter as interim chairperson of the Pensions Ombudsman.
Arter started the role on January 1 for an interim period while the DWP looks to fill the position permanently.
Arter joins having held several roles within the industry, including chairperson of the Ombudsman Association and former pensions ombudsman.
He succeeds Caroline Rookes, who passed away earlier this year and had served as chairperson of TPO since September 2019.
Paul Maynard, minister for pensions, said: “[Arter] brings a wealth of experience and I look forward to working with him.”
Maynard added: “Following the tragic loss of Caroline Rookes, I would also like to pay tribute to the steadfast leadership and dedication she provided during her time in the role.”
As interim chairperson, Arter is entitled to an annual salary of £24,000, based on a minimum time commitment of 36 days per year.
He said: “It is with mixed emotions that I have accepted the role of TPO’s interim chairperson following the unexpected, sad and untimely death of Caroline Rookes.
“However, it is an honour to have been appointed and I look forward to working with my fellow non-executive directors supporting the pensions ombudsman Dominic Harris and his colleagues, in order to meet the organisation’s strategic objectives.”
Harris said he is “delighted” that Arter has agreed to fill the void left by Rookes’ sad death.
“It is important that the organisation has stability, and it is an excellent idea to appoint someone with Anthony’s knowledge and experience of TPO to support us through this period,” he said.
“I am looking forward to continuing our good working relationship.”
sonia.rach@ft.com
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