The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) has created a new role of chief operating officer to manage customer services, member support and digital innovation.

The TDS has appointed Kate Smith, former group corporate services director of Southern Housing Group, to the position.

She will work alongside TDS chief executive Steve Harriott.

He said: “Kate’s experience of digital transformation and delivery of excellent customer service in the housing sector makes her a great addition to our team and will further improve the service we offer our members.”

Meanwhile, ARLA Propertymark chief executive David Cox was appointed to the TDS board.

He has been named as a non-executive director of the TDS.

Cox joins Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark, on the board alongside TDS chairman Martin Partington.

Other board members include TDS chief executive Steve Harriot, deputy chief executive Nick Hankey, Luay Al-Khatib from the RICS, Alan Ward from the Residential Landlords Association, independent member Jodi Berg and Mark Allan of insurer RSA.

Partington said: “David is an excellent addition to the board and brings with him a wealth of experience of the property industry.

“Through his work at ARLA Propertymark, he has focused on policy and stakeholder engagement, both of which are vital for the TDS to continue to be a leader on improving standards in the private rented sector.”

Cox added: “It’s a privilege to sit on the board of an organisation which shares the goal of improving the experiences of everyone involved in lettings.

“My experience of working with government and Whitehall departments will add value to the board, particularly with upcoming changes to legislation in the private rented sector.”