The UK government has appointed the new chair of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), selecting existing non-executive director Arnold Wagner for the role.

Wagner, who joined the PPF in 2011, replaces Barbara Judge, who departs after six years chairing the UK lifeboat fund.

In a statement released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), pensions minister Ros Altmann said it was “vitally important” the PPF continue its work providing security to those saving into defined benefit funds.

“I look forward to working with Arnold Wagner, who has been with the PPF for five years and is already familiar with its operations in protecting defined benefit pension schemes,” she said.

Altmann also thanked Judge for her “dedication” while in the role.

For his part, Wagner said he was delighted by his appointment and also praised his predecessor.

“I’d like to thank Lady Judge for her excellent leadership of the board and overall contribution to the PPF over the last six years and wish her well as she moves on to new roles,” he said. 

In common with Judge, Wagner previously sat on the board of the UK Atomic Energy Agency as a non-executive director and chaired public and private sector remuneration committees.

He also spent seven years as HR director at Smiths Group and worked as director of personnel at Bunzl.