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Affinity Water has appointed Pauline Walsh, currently director of gas transmission at National Grid, as its new chief executive to replace Simon Cocks who will be stepping down later this year.

Walsh is expected to take up the role by the end of April and will also be appointed as a director of the company. Cocks will step down as chief executive and a director but will remain as a non-executive director of Affinity Water.

In her role at National Grid, Walsh is responsible for building and maintaining the assets of UK’s national gas transmission system.

Prior to joining National Grid in 2015, she held senior leadership roles at Havells Sylvania, Fred. Olsen, Philips Electronics and Ford Motor Company.

The news follows the appointment of Tony Cocker, the former chief executive and chairman of Eon UK, who took over as Affinity Water’s independent chairman from Philip Nolan last month.

In August 2017, both the chairman and chief executive of Affinity Water announced they would be departing the company.

Cocker, said: “I am pleased to announce that Pauline is joining Affinity Water as CEO. The board is very much looking forward to working with her. She has extensive cross sector experience and a strong track record in leadership roles which will help us make the most of the opportunities ahead.

“I would also like to thank Simon for his leadership of and significant contribution to Affinity Water during his time as CEO.”

Walsh, added: “It’s an exciting time for the water industry and Affinity Water is well placed to respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“I am really looking forward to leading the team and working with the board and investors to continue to provide high quality water services for 3.6 million people and businesses in the South East of England.”

Phil Sheppard will be taking over as director of gas transmission from Walsh at National Grid. Sheppard was most recently acting director of the System Operator (SO) at National Grid, and before that headed up operations within the SO function.