British Water’s chief executive to retire

The chief executive of British Water, Lloyd Martin will retire later this year. His exact leaving date has not yet been confirmed.

Martin took over as chief executive of the association in October 2016, having served in the role on an interim basis since March of the same year.

British Water, which represents the UK water industry’s supply chain, is now on the hunt for a new chief executive to take forward its “ambitious growth plans, following a successful period of development”.

The organisation said membership has reached an “all-time high”, including the recruitment of several water and wastewater companies such as South West Water, Anglian Water and Northumbrian Water.

Martin has more than 35 years’ experience in the water industry, having worked in the UK and international markets, in both the public and private sector, including roles as regional director for Severn Trent Services International and business development manager at Anglian Water International.

Martin highlighted the challenge of recruiting someone with the right skills due to the “boom and bust” cycle on the supply chain and the uncertainty in economic trading and regulatory landscape.

Having originally retired in 2011, he said he has no intention of working full-time again and wants to spend more time with his grandchildren.

He added: “I can’t ever imagine being completely inactive, so I am sure I will continue with some advisory work.

“But it is a labour of love and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done here.”

Chris Loughlin, chair of British Water and chief executive of Pennon Group, said the new candidate will join during a time of “challenge and transformation” for the water industry.

He said: “Under Lloyd’s leadership, British Water has made significant progress, growing its membership and reinventing its relationship with the wider water industry.”

“Our new chief executive will develop and drive British Water’s growth strategy, ensuring that its membership plays an increasingly important and relevant role at the heart of the industry during a time of challenge and transformation, shaping future policies and forging ever closer and more innovative collaborations.

“We want to continue to diversify and develop our membership base and ensure a more integrated approach to capital delivery by water companies and their supply chains as we move towards the next price review under a new regulatory framework.”

He added: “Water companies face major challenges, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability, so there is a huge opportunity for supply chain partners to step up to the plate and take the industry in new and exciting directions.  The UK supply chain can also build on its strong credentials as an expert exporter of cutting-edge technologies and techniques, harnessing its expertise and knowledge as we prepare for a post-Brexit world.”