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Kaye steps down from UKWIR

Steve Kaye is to leave his role as chief executive of UKWIR after six years.

The research platform for water companies across the UK and Ireland has launched an immediate search for a successor. However, Kaye will remain in post for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.

The company said during his tenure Kaye had overseen several significant research projects, including world-leading studies into leakage, river health and the Chemical Investigations Programme (CIP).

He will now take “semi-retirement” but says he plans to stay involved in the water sector in an advisory capacity.

Kaye, who has worked in the industry since 1990, said: “I am proud of everything we have achieved, and grateful for the support of my wonderful team, the UKWIR board and the many friends and colleagues in the water sector and beyond. UKWIR has strong ongoing support from water companies in the UK and Ireland; and is continuing to provide vital services and research outputs that benefit the industry and encourage collaboration – helping us build a better industry together.”

UKWIR chairman Richard Warneford will lead the process to appoint a new chief executive. He said: “This is an exciting, and challenging, time for the water sector and UKWIR has the potential to be a major player in finding solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. We are looking for a new CEO who can seize these opportunities and help make a difference to the future of water.”

In other people moves within the water sector, Wednesday (5 June) marks the final day of Robert Light’s chairmanship of water customer watchdog, CCW. He steps down after five years as chair and a further four on the board. Light was previously deputy chair of the Environment Agency.

He will be replaced in the role by Robert Wilson, who has been an independent board member since 2018. Wilson is the former MP for Reading East and served as a minister during the Cameron and May governments.

Light said: “I am very proud of the organisation CCW is today, the changes made since I became chair, our dedicated people and the way we champion consumer issues every day.”