Payne, managing director of The Mortgage Business (TMB) and currently a director of the not-for-profit organisation, will take over the role from 1 January 2007.
Payne is replacing Mark Riddick, who has been chair for the past two years.
Payne said of his predecessor: "Mark Riddick has been a driving force for the organisation over the past two years. While attracting new members and supporters to PISCES, he has overseen numerous developments. I consider it a great honour to have the opportunity to build on the excellent work that Mark has done.
"Foremost in my list of priorities is the further development of our vision for electronic data transfer, in both the residential and commercial property sectors. This will enable the easy and swift exchange of information between different professionals who use different computer systems.
"The move towards e-conveyancing will radically re-engineer property transfer. In particular, we will be maintaining PISCES’ focus on supporting the production of HIPs. Given the number of professions involved, and different systems used, an open Standard is the only solution."
Roger de Boehmler, director-general of PISCES, said: "Nigel Payne becomes chair of PISCES at a time of unprecedented change. PISCES has risen to the challenge by publishing over 300 XML schema Standards during the last year alone.
"This week we are publishing our Lease Delivery Standard. This is timed to coincide with the new Commercial Leases Code of Practice. The Lease Delivery Standard will revolutionise the exchange of lease information between occupiers and their legal advisors.
"Next week we will publish a new Standard for Occupancy Cost information. That is timed to support the new edition of the IPD Cost Code. This Standard will automatically gather detailed cost information for performance reporting that will identify real cost savings.
"It has been a pleasure to work alongside Mark Riddick, who has guided me with his dynamic management skills. He has also played a primary role in raising our membership to 150 corporate members for the first time."
Riddick commented: "I am proud to have been chair of PISCES during a period when we have progressed so far with its establishment as the default means of exchanging electronic real estate information.
"I am delighted that Nigel Payne is taking over as chair, as I have great confidence in his ability to lead the industry in attaining widespread deployment of PISCES for the benefit of all. He has my full support and best wishes."
