NI Water boss quits ‘for personal reasons’

NI Water chief executive Trevor Haslett is stepping down from his post at the end of August, it was announced on Thursday.

Haslett, who has been at NI Water nearly four decades, told the board he wanted to resign mainly for personal reasons but also thought the time was right for the company.

He was appointed acting chief executive in January 2011, after Laurence MacKenzie resigned over mishandling of a cold weather crisis that saw 450,000 lose their water supply.

Haslett threatened to step down in autumn 2011, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with his £130,000 salary, but stayed on.

Commenting on his decision, Haslett said: “When I took over as acting CEO and was then appointed on a fixed term contract, I set a number of priorities which I believe have been achieved with the help and hard work of all of the staff in NI Water. Their support has been overwhelming and humbling. I knew I had made the right decision from the first day I took up office. We have come a long way, but alas, I have to get off at the next stop and let that journey continue.”

NI Water chairman Sean Hogan said the board accepted Haslett’s decision “with regret”. He added: “I am grateful that Trevor has indicated that he intends to make a full contribution in post until a suitable replacement CEO is found. That selection process had already commenced with the appointment of search consultants and it is likely that the post will be advertised early next month.”