Highest-ranking woman in Hong Kong police’s history, Winnie Chiu, to head up government watchdog
- Chiu will succeed Connie Lau and earn a monthly salary of HK$281,750
- She was the first woman to ever hold role of deputy police commissioner
The highest-ranked woman in Hong Kong police’s 175-year history was on Friday appointed to head the government’s watchdog – the Office of the Ombudsman.
Chiu, 56, will retire from the force on March 4 after 35 years of service, and be succeeded by police’s director of management service, Oscar Kwok Yam-shu, 53.
Lam said she was confident Chiu would fully demonstrate her independence and impartiality as the Ombudsman.
“Her extensive experience and clear vision will enable the Office of the Ombudsman to further its important mission of improving public administration in Hong Kong,” Lam said.
Chiu’s sudden departure will come about five months ahead of her hitting the official retirement age of 57. She will succeed Connie Lau Yin-hing, whose contract ends on March 31. The five-year contract would award Chiu a monthly salary of HK$281,750.