The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has appointed chairman, Rod Sims, as CEO following the resignation of current chief, Brian Cassidy.

“As chairman I look forward to taking an even more active role in the management of the ACCC as we put in place the changes that will help keep the ACCC and the AER as strongly performing agencies into the future,” Sims said.

Current CEO, Brian Cassidy, announced to staff last week that he will be retiring on May 23. He will continue to assist Sims during the transition as well as with the ACCC’s submission to the Root and Branch review.

“We thank Brian for his outstanding career of public service. Indeed, the ACCC owes much of its professionalism and success to him,” Sims said.

Sims’ appointment will come into effect from Monday, February 3.

Last week the federal government said it was working with the competition watchdog to try and fix its dire financial position.