The Board of the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is pleased to announce Cynthia Gebert has been appointed to the role of Ombudsman for a five-year term. Ms Gebert is an experienced leader and succeeds Judi Jones, who recently resigned after six years of service to the organisation. Ms Gebert will commence in the role on 2 May 2022.
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is Australia's dispute resolution service for phone and internet complaints. In the last financial year, the organisation handled over 119,000 complaints from people and small businesses and has a membership base of over 1500 members.
Commenting on the announcement, TIO Board Chair Michael Lavarch said, "I'm delighted that Cynthia Gebert is taking on the Ombudsman position. Cynthia comes to the TIO with an outstanding track record as a skilled CEO, with a deep understanding of external dispute resolution and a reputation for empathetic leadership."
Ms Gebert has been the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) since 2012. In that time she has successfully led EWOV through significant industry change and the transformation of customer expectations of how industry-based Ombudsman schemes should best operate.
Michael Lavarch said, "Ms Gebert's experience at EWOV and her recognised national leadership in the Ombudsman arena will be hugely valuable for the TIO as it navigates changes in the telecommunications sector. The TIO is in excellent shape under the leadership of Judi Jones and we look forward to the organisation growing further with Ms Gebert."
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Gebert said, "The telecommunications industry is changing rapidly, and the last two years has reinforced the essentiality of phone and internet services in everyday life. I'm very excited about the opportunity to work with the TIO team, telcos and stakeholders to improve outcomes for everyone in this complex and dynamic environment."
