The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has appointed FCA governance executive director Nausicaa Delfas as its new chief executive, replacing Charles Counsell’s decision to step down.
Delfas, who will start in the role at the end of March 2023, was formerly interim chief executive and chief ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Prior to that, as FCA executive director of international she was responsible for the organisation’s international and Brexit strategy and delivery. She has also served as the FCA’s chief operating ffficer, and previously held other senior roles at the FCA and FSA, including in Supervision, Enforcement, Risk and Policy, across retail and wholesale sectors. Before joining the FSA, Nausicaa trained and qualified as a solicitor at City law firm Freshfields in London.
She will lead TPR as it continues to implement a raft of new initiatives designed to improve outcomes for savers, from pensions dashboards to the new DB Funding Code.
Driving value for money for savers, ensuring automatic enrolment continues to be a success and tackling criminal activity will also be a key focus.
Sarah Smart, chair of TPR, says: “Following Charles Counsell’s announcement in June that he was stepping down in March 2023, we have been running an extensive selection process to find a new CEO. I am thrilled to appoint Nausicaa Delfas to the role at a time when the pace of change in the pension industry shows no sign of slowing. Nausicaa has a proven track record of delivering transformational change, and her background in governance will be vital as we ensure those who deliver pension savings are meeting the challenges of new legislation, and as we continue to improve our effectiveness by becoming a more data and technology-led organisation.
“I am confident Nausicaa will put value for money, equality and diversity and a determination to tackle wrongdoing at the core of her priorities to help us fulfil our commitment to protect savers and develop as an organisation fit for the future.
“I would like to thank Charles for his outstanding work as CEO. He has worked tirelessly to help TPR become the clearer, quicker and tougher regulator it is today, embedding wide-ranging new legislative duties and showing that we will take action to tackle criminal behaviour. He has led from the front and has engendered the values by which we, and the industry, should all work.”
Delfas says: “I am delighted to be joining TPR as CEO at a time of significant change and challenge. Saving effectively for the future is essential for everyone. TPR plays a key role in protecting work-based pensions and the post-retirement income of over 30 million people. I look forward to leading this organisation in its critical work.”
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott says: “I want to congratulate Nausicaa on her appointment as TPR’s new chief executive. Nausicaa will bring a real wealth of experience to the role and I’ve no doubt she will be an excellent choice to continue the pivotal role played by Charles Counsell and the whole TPR team in supporting and expanding pension saving across the country.”