New Pensions Ombudsman appointed

Anthony Arter has been appointed Pensions Ombudsman and Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman, DWP announced today (13 February 2015).

Anthony Arter will take up his post from 25 May 2015 for a 4-year term. Pensions Minister Steve Webb said:

I am pleased to confirm that Anthony Arter will be the next Pensions Ombudsman.

I was pleased to receive the Work and Pensions Select Committee endorsement for his appointment. Anthony will start his appointment from the 25 May 2015.

I would like to thank Tony King, the current Pensions Ombudsman for his hard work and dedication during the course of his tenure and for the positive impact he has made to the Pensions Ombudsman Service. I would like to wish Tony well for the future.

It is a privilege to be appointed as Pensions Ombudsman and I welcome the opportunity to build on the excellent platform established by Tony King. I believe I have a clear understanding and appreciation of the role and independence required of an ombudsman. It is a vital role and one which I will ensure is upheld. I welcome the challenges ahead in the increasingly vibrant pensions landscape.

The Work and Pensions Select Committee said:

We are pleased to endorse Mr Arter’s appointment to the post of Pensions Ombudsman and Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman. Mr Arter provided convincing evidence of his suitability for the post in response to our questions. His knowledge and understanding of pensions, his experience of dealing with contentious and complex issues, and his aptitude for management and leadership, are well-established and will be invaluable in this role. We look forward to the Pensions Ombudsman Service continuing to provide the important function of pension dispute resolution, to a high standard, under Mr Arter’s direction.

The Pensions Ombudsman is a public appointment made by the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions. The appointment follows an open competition regulated by The Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.