Anthony Arter CBE has been appointed as interim chair of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) to replace Caroline Rookes who died in October.

It will be for an interim period during which a recruitment campaign will be conducted to fill the position permanently.

Mr Arter has a wealth of experience and expertise from various roles within the pensions industry, including chair of the Ombudsman Association, former Pensions Ombudsman and interim Deputy Pensions Ombudsman and Deputy Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman.

He succeeds Caroline Rookes, who had served as Chair of TPO since September 2019.

Pensions minister Paul Maynard said: “Anthony brings a wealth of experience and I look forward to working with him. 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.”

Dominic Harris, Pensions Ombudsman, said: “Anthony has agreed to fill the void left by Caroline’s sad death, until such time as a permanent chair is appointed. 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. I am looking forward to continuing our good working relationship.”

Anthony Arter CBE said: “It is with mixed emotions that I have accepted the role of TPO’s interim chair following the unexpected, sad and untimely death of Caroline Rookes.”

He said it was an honour to have been appointed and that he looked forward to working with other non-executive directors supporting the Pensions Ombudsman Dominic Harris and his colleagues.

In his capacity as interim Chair, Mr Arter is entitled to an annual remuneration of £24,000, based on a minimum time commitment of 36 days per year.