Sue Lewis has been appointed the new chair of the independent Financial Services Consumer Panel. She will take over as Consumer Panel chair on 1 July 2013.

The Panel advises the Financial Conduct Authority on the interests and concerns of consumers providing constructive challenge to its policymaking process.

Most recently Lewis has been working as a non-executive director and independent policy consultant. She is currently the consumer advocate member on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Professional Standards Board, and is a trustee of the Personal Finance Education Group and of Stepchange, a debt advice charity.

As a consultant, Sue has advised Which? on consumers and financial services, and worked with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on financial education.

She has previously held a variety of senior policy roles in the Civil Service across a range of departments including HM Treasury, the Department for Education and the Cabinet Office.

John Griffith-Jones, chairman of the FCA, said: “I am pleased to have been able to make such a strong appointment as Consumer Panel chair. Sue Lewis has a passionate interest in consumer issues coupled with vast experience in financial services policy. I look forward to working closely with her and the Panel.

“I am particularly grateful to the previous Chair Adam Phillips both for his valuable contribution to the success of the Panel and his long service. Adam joined the Panel in March 2004 and has been Consumer Panel chair since December 2008.

“Under his leadership the Panel has gained a respected track record for advising the FSA and provided constructive input during the transition to the FCA.”