Headhunters are seeking new chief ombudsman
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has named principal ombudsman, David Thomas, as interim chief ombudsman after Walter Merricks leaves on 30 October.
The FOS board took soundings from key consumer organisations and industry bodies on what relevant experience stakeholders believe the new chief ombudsman should have. It also asked about the professional and personal attributes the ideal candidate for the post should possess.
It has hired headhunters Russell Reynolds Associates and advertised the post last month (September 2009) in the appointments section of the Sunday Times.
Thomas has been with the Financial Ombudsman Service for ten years – most recently as corporate director with responsibility for strategic policy, legislation and rules, as well as relations with government, regulators and the European Commission. Before this he was the Banking Ombudsman and a solicitor in private practice.