Cates joins with senior level experience in financial services. He has previously worked in complaint handling both at HSBC bank, the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Prior to that, he worked on consumer and competition matters at the Office of Fair Trading.

In his new role, Cates will lead the service from the end of September, replacing Alison MacDougall who retired in August.

The New Homes Ombudsman Service board chair Jodi Berg says: “We are excited to have Nigel lead this increasingly important service. Not only does he bring significant and relevant experience to the table, but his career has involved substantial senior level representation across the public, private and not for profit sectors.”

“We look forward to welcoming him to our team at the New Homes Ombudsman Service and to the TDS Group at large.”