Pensions expert Dr Ros Altmann has been appointed as the new pensions minister replacing Steve Webb who lost his seat in last weeks election.
Altmann has been an independent expert and government adviser on issues such as pensions and retirement policy, investment, savings, annuities and social care funding.
She served as director-general for the Saga Group between 2010 and 2013 and was also involved in a campaign to help Equitable Life policyholders fight for compensation for pension losses from the firm.
One of her most recent campaigns was as the government’s champion for older workers to encourage the employment of people aged over 50 and she was awarded a CBE in recognition of services to pensioners and pension provision.
Altmann is not an MP but will become a peer and be appointed to the House of Lords in due course.
The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) said it was looking forward to working with Altmann and encouraged the minister to consider the benefits an independent commission would offer.
Joanne Segars, chief executive at NAPF, said: "By providing impartial and independent expertise and analysis a commission would allow the minister to make policy that stands the test of time."
Tom McPhail, head of pensions research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Ros is inheriting a pension system which is in the throes of implementing three hugely significant reforms: auto-enrolment, freedom of access and the changes to the state pension.
"She also succeeds a popular and effective predecessor. Her experience in pensions will be a great asset to her and we look forward to working with her to continue the good work of the previous government."
Malcolm McLean, senior consultant at Barnett Waddingham, said: "Having an unelected new peer as the pension minister is bound to attract criticism from some quarters and Ros will have to accept that her position within government will not now allow her the luxury of claiming to be an independent consumer champion criticising conservative policies from outside.
"Having said that, I wish her well in her new role and I'm sure she will rise to the challenge and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to it."
Pensions minister Altmann said: "For many years it has been my ambition to make pensions work better for everyone and improve people's later-life incomes. Up to now, that has been as an independent policy expert. I am delighted to now have the opportunity to make a difference from within government.
"I will take forward work to bring in the new state pension, help millions more to be enrolled into good quality workplace pension schemes, and safeguard new freedom and choice as to how people access their savings.
"My priorities are clear: to strengthen British pensions, improve later life incomes, and protect the pensioners of today and tomorrow."
