Water Industry Forum appoints Anita Payne as Executive Director

Anita Payne has been announced as the new Executive Director of the Water Industry Forum (WIF), the independent and neutral thought leadership forum of British Water. Taking up the role in mid-July 2023, Anita will succeed Peter Drake who steps down after having led WIF since its 2009 formation. 

Anita is currently Director, Insight and Impact at Ofwat.  She brings to the WIF Executive Director role a deep understanding of the water industry landscape, having engaged with a wide range of issues across the sector including Price Reviews, open data, competition, affordability and support for vulnerable customers.  Anita has also worked as an economic adviser on water issues at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in London and the European Commission. Additionally, Anita brings experience of working in water policy and regulation in Australia.

“I am delighted to be appointed as Executive Director and look forward to working on the many and varied challenges, and opportunities, facing the water sector”, said Anita.  “WIF provides an independent and neutral space to explore the big issues affecting the sector and to develop ways forward for resolving them collaboratively.”

WIF Chair, Professor Tony Conway, commented “I am so pleased to welcome Anita to her role as Executive Director. Anita joins WIF at a pivotal time for the water sector when delivery of positive change demands collaboration. We are passionate about what we do, and I look forward to working alongside Anita as WIF makes its collaborative contribution to the next chapter of our industry”. 

Tony added, “With WIF enabling conversations to happen which otherwise wouldn’t occur and creating thought leadership working across its industry wide stakeholder forum, Peter Drake has made an immense and highly valued contribution.” Peter Drake will continue on a part time basis in a supporting role for a period of transition.