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Ex-HS2 chief takes the helm at Anglian Water

Anglian Water has announced Mark Thurston as the company’s next chief executive.

He will succeed Peter Simpson who has served as group CEO for more than a decade. Thurston will officially take up his post on 1 July.

He brings more than 30 years of infrastructure experience with him.

Most recently, Thurston served as CEO of HS2 Ltd – the project delivery body set up to build the High Speed 2 railway.

He left his post last year, with SGN boss Mark Wild recently tipped to take over the running of the UK’s most expensive rail project.

After beginning his career as a technician apprentice at the London Underground, Thurston went on to hold leadership roles at Crossrail, the 2012 Olympics delivery body and at engineering firm CH2M.

Thurston said: “It is a privilege to join Anglian Water at this crucial point when the business will be delivering some of the biggest infrastructure enhancements in the UK water industry.

“As well as providing vital services for millions of customers, Anglian Water has an outstanding culture, strong values and a clear purpose, which I am really excited to be part of.

“My focus will be on making sure the business is set up for success for the long term and I look forward to engaging with customers, colleagues, regional stakeholders, government, regulators and our shareholders to deliver on our objectives.”

An Anglian Water spokesperson added: “We are delighted to announce that Mark Thurston will be joining Anglian Water as chief executive officer.

“Mark is a highly experienced leader with a distinguished track record who, over more than 30 years, has held leadership roles for major infrastructure projects.”

Anglian Water has asked Ofwat to sign off on £9.5 billion of spending between 2025-30 within its updated PR24 submission.

Anglian increased its totex earlier this year by £217 million to include cost allocations for its two reservoir projects in the Fens and South Lincolnshire.

In total water companies are asking for more than £100 billion to spend across PR24.

Ofwat was due to issue its draft determinations on water company business plans on 12 June, however Utility Week understands that this will now be delayed until after the 4 July general election due to purdah rules.