Water UK reveals new CEO

Trade body Water UK has appointed Christine McGourty as its new chief executive.

She will replace Michael Roberts, who has held the position for the past four years, on 16 December – the same day Ofwat will reveal its final determinations on PR19.

McGourty has previously led the corporate affairs functions at Centrica, British Gas and Energy UK, as well as serving as a non-executive board member at Smart Energy GB. Her most recent role was as chief corporate affairs officer at engineering and technology company Laird.

Prior to entering the corporate world Christine was a journalist for more than 20 years, including reporting on science, technology and environmental issues for the BBC and the Daily Telegraph.

Water UK chairman, Brian Bender, said: “We are delighted to get someone with Christine’s first-class experience in regulatory and policy issues both nationally and internationally, as well as her undoubted leadership abilities.

“She is exactly the right fit to take the trade body forward as we move into a new 5-year business period for the industry. It’s a pivotal time for us, particularly as we start delivering on increasing the rate of leakage reduction, eradicating water poverty, cutting plastic waste, reaching net zero emissions by 2030 and being the first sector with 100% sign-up to the Social Mobility Pledge.”

McGourty said: “This is a fascinating time to be joining the water industry, with the sector playing an increasingly important role in combatting climate change, stepping up the fight on plastic waste, and making sure customers continue to get the world-class quality water they deserve at a price they can afford.

“The industry has set out an ambitious programme to increase investment, cut leakage and improve the environment, and I look forward to working with all of the water and wastewater companies to address the challenges ahead.”