The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that Mark Boyle has been appointed as the chair of The Pensions Regulator (TPR).

Boyle, who is currently the independent non-executive chairman of HM Land Registry, will begin his 4-year term from 1 April 2014.

Michael O'Higgins, who is currently the chair of TPR, will stand down on 31 March 2014.

Pensions minister Steve Webb said: "I am pleased to announce that Boyle will be the next chair of The Pensions Regulator. Boyle is a proven leader who brings a wealth of private and public sector experience to the role and I look forward to working with him.

"I would like to thank O'Higgins for the work he has done in this role over the last three years. O'Higgins has successfully overseen major initiatives including the launch of auto-enrolment and I wish him every success for the future."

Boyle said he was "delighted" with his appointment as TPR chair.

He said: "I look forward to leading the board and ensuring that the regulator continues to deliver its objectives while at the same time playing an active part in dealing with the challenges faced by the broader pensions industry."

First published 19.02.2014

monique_simpson@wilmington.co.uk