The Chief Executive has appointed former Postmaster General Allan Chiang as the new Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data for five years from August 4.

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said today Mr Chiang has rich experience in public administration, served in senior public positions and possesses proven leadership, management and communication skills.

"With his commitment, experience and knowledge he is well placed to perform the roles of the Privacy Commissioner. We are confident under his leadership the office will strive to promote the protection of personal data privacy in the community," Mr Lam said.

Mr Chiang, 59, has served in the Government for 33 years and was Postmaster General from 2003 to 2006. He has since been Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Design Centre.

Mr Chiang said he will work with the incumbent Roderick Woo, whose term of office will expire July 31, to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr Lam said Mr Woo has taken steps to strengthen the enforcement of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and initiated inspections and investigations of major personal data systems of public concern to facilitate their compliance with the ordinance.

Mr Woo also conducted a comprehensive review of the ordinance having regard to developments in the last decade.