New telco ombudsman named

The telecommunications industry ombudsman (TIO) scheme has named Simon Cohen as its new ombudsman, following the resignation of Deirdre O'Donnell last year.

Simon Cohen
(Credit: TIO)

Cohen has 15 years experience in complaint investigation from his current service as the Victorian public transport ombudsman and his previous role as assistant ombudsman (Police) and lawyer for the NSW ombudsman.

O'Donnell stepped down late last year after over two years in the role to undertake doctoral studies. She was previously the ombudsman for Western Australia, before moving to the TIO following the departure of John Pinnock who held the position for over 12 years.

Simon Cleary served as acting ombudsman until O'Donnell's replacement could be found.

Cohen steps into the new role amid increasing customer dissatisfaction with telcos. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) last week announced a formal inquiry into the industry, saying the TIO was receiving on average over 900 complaints per day.