Legal Ombudsman announces new chief executive

The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has announced its Director of Corporate Services Rob Powell is to become the new Chief Executive.

He will replace Nick Hawkins, who leaves the organisation in September after nearly two years at the helm.

Rob said his priority will be to further modernise the independent organisation, which investigates complaints of poor service from regulated legal or claims management service providers.

The qualified accountant joined the Legal Ombudsman in October last year, moving from Ofwat where he was the Delivery Director and Director of Finance.

Wanda Goldwag, Chair of the Office of Legal Complaints (OLC), said:

“Through a competitive interview process, Rob was clearly identified as the best candidate to take LeO forward and transform it through the next stage of modernisation and beyond.

“He will build on the fantastic foundations and improved governance that Nick Hawkins has put in place while adding to the excellent work that is currently being done. I feel strongly that we are on the right path and have the right strategy in place and Rob will be the ideal person to drive LeO in that direction.”

Rob said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Legal Ombudsman and drive the next phase of its modernisation. I want to get the best out of our fantastic people and embed our customer service principles.” I

n other LeO management news, an advertisement for the position of Chief Legal Ombudsman is due to be issued next week as Kathryn Stone is moving on at the end of the year to become the new Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

Independent and impartial, The Legal Ombudsman investigates complaints and offers a free service to easily guide the public through the process of making complaints when they feel they have experienced poor service from regulated legal or claims management service providers.

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