"Ombudsman Services plays an important role in the consumer protection and redress landscape"
Simon Palmer, Ombudsman Services
Ombudsman Services, a not-for-profit organisation that investigates unresolved energy and telecoms complaints, has appointed its first managing director.
Simon Palmer, formerly interim chief financial officer (CFO) at the Cheshire-based outfit, will focus on commercial, operational and strategic matters in his new role.
Matthew Vickers will continue in his role as chief executive and chief ombudsman.
Simon’s appointment forms part of a revamp of the strategic leadership team at Ombudsman Services, which has involved several key promotions.
Jodi Hamilton has been made relationships director, with Amanda Manning assuming the role of strategy director.
Rob Fawcett is now director of systems and data, while Joanna Jepson has been promoted to director of people and change.
Recruitment is ongoing for the roles of operations director and director of regulatory affairs.
Simon, a chartered management accountant with experience in sectors including FMCG, retail, wholesale and IT services, described his new role as an “exciting opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of consumers.”
He said: “Ombudsman Services plays an important role in the consumer protection and redress landscape.
“Together with Matthew and our new strategic leadership team, my goal is to create an organisation that is fit for the future and well placed to respond to the ever-changing needs of consumers, businesses and regulators.”
Matthew Vickers said: “As an accomplished CEO, COO and CFO with a strong commercial track record, Simon brings a wealth of valuable experience to Ombudsman Services.
“His appointment is a key element of our transformation agenda and emphasises our determination to put the organisation on a solid, sustainable footing.
“We are delighted to have him on board on a permanent basis in this key leadership role.”
Ombudsman Services was founded in 2002 and employs around 400 people at its offices in Daresbury near Warrington.
As well as being approved and authorised by regulators Ofgem and Ofcom to provide alternative dispute resolution in the energy and telecoms sectors, Ombudsman Services administers the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) service for the British Parking Association.
Ombudsman Services has this week launched a dedicated business-to-business (B2B) website - www.partners.ombudsman-services.org - for current and prospective members of its scheme.
