Chief Executive

Financial Ombudsman Service

London

  • Location London
  • Sector Regulation & Professional Standards
  • Client Financial Ombudsman Service
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £280k - £320k
  • Reference GSe132740
  • Closing Date Friday 5 June 2026 @ 9am

The Financial Ombudsman Service is a free and impartial service that aims to resolve customer complaints in an efficient and effective way. We sit at the heart of the financial services ecosystem and wider regulatory family, and we play a vital role for consumers and small businesses to secure redress when things go wrong. Every year we resolve thousands of disputes, setting the standard for modern, efficient and accessible alternative dispute resolution. We also use and share the insight gained from our casework with key stakeholders across the financial services sector and with bodies such as the FCA and HM Treasury, helping to strengthen the wider financial services environment and support a more confident climate for investment.

This is an important moment for the organisation as we continue to evolve in response to rapid technological change, shifting consumer expectations and the increasingly complex landscape of financial services. Now is an exciting and important time to join the Financial Ombudsman Service and help lead our journey as we deliver significant organisational reform and drive forward major digital and technological transformation.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction and operational management of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Working closely with the Chair, the Board and the Chief Ombudsman, the CEO will ensure strong alignment between governance, strategy and delivery, while promoting a culture of high performance, fairness, independence and continuous improvement. As the most senior executive leader, the CEO will represent the Financial Ombudsman Service externally, engaging with key political, regulatory and industry stakeholders, including the FCA and HM Treasury, and participating in parliamentary and oversight forums where required. The role carries responsibility for all corporate and enabling functions, including strategy, finance, people, legal, digital and technology, transformation, data and insight, communications, and risk and assurance, ensuring these functions effectively support the delivery of casework and strong customer outcomes.

We are seeking an outstanding, values‑driven leader with significant experience operating at C‑suite level in a complex, highly regulated environment. You will bring a strong track record of strategic leadership, organisational transformation and performance delivery at scale, together with sound judgement, credibility with Boards and senior stakeholders, and the ability to lead with clarity and resilience. You will be an inclusive and inspirational leader, committed to fairness, independence and public service, with excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of governance, financial sustainability and risk‑based decision making.

If you have a passion for fairness, independence and delivering excellent outcomes for consumers and financial businesses alike, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact fosappointments@gatenbysanderson.com

Campaign closes: Friday 5 June 2026 @ 9am

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