Former under secretary for home affairs Jack Chan will succeed Winnie Chiu as ombudsman from next month, the government announced on Friday.

With nearly 40 years of government service, Chan has held directorate positions in various bureaus and departments, including the Development Bureau, the University Grants Committee, and the former Civil Service Branch.

In a statement, Chief Executive John Lee expressed confidence in Chan's leadership abilities.

"I am confident that with Mr Chan's excellent leadership, decisiveness and rich experience in public administration, he will lead the Office of The Ombudsman to continue carrying out its statutory functions and ensuring efficiency in the public administration of Hong Kong," Lee said.

Chiu will conclude a five-year term as ombudsman at the end of March.