Rookes will formally take up the post from 1 December 2020 and serve a five-year term. She has served as interim Chair since September 2019.
The Pensions Ombudsman, Anthony Arter, is charged with investigating complaints or disputes about pension schemes.
Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said:
Since her appointment as Interim Chair in 2019, Caroline has been key in driving The Pensions Ombudsman to become more efficient and customer-focused. I am pleased that the Secretary of State has appointed Caroline as the permanent Chair, and I look forward to further positive change going forward.
TPO Chair, Caroline Rookes, said:
I am delighted to have been appointed to the role of Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman. The work of Anthony Arter and his team in ensuring that pension complaints are dealt with efficiently, effectively and fairly, is of great importance to the millions of pension scheme members. I am pleased to be able to play a part.
The Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman is appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions. The appointment was made following an open competition regulated by The Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.
Additional information
• Remuneration for the Chair’s role is £20,000 for a minimum of 30 days per annum.
• For more information, visit the Pensions Ombudsman page.
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