Ofwat Appoints Interim Leaders

Ofwat Appoints Interim Leaders

'Following the announcement that David Black is to stand-down from his role as Chief Executive, the Board of Ofwat is pleased to announce that it has appointed Chris Walters as the Interim Chief Executive from 30 August. Mr Walters is currently Senior Director, Price Review at Ofwat.

Recognising the decision by government to establish a new, integrated water regulator into which Ofwat will transfer, Ofwat's Board has made changes to Ofwat's leadership structure to reflect the transitionary nature of its work going forward.

Mr Walters will be tasked with providing leadership for the organisation, as well as leading the engagement process with government and industry, as the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission (IWC) are taken forward. Improving effective regulation is vital for customers and the protection of the environment and is a critical part of restoring trust in the sector.

In addition to the appointment of Mr Walters as Interim Chief Executive, Helen Campbell has been appointed as the Executive Director, Delivery. Ms Campbell is currently Senior Director, Sector Performance at Ofwat. In her new role, she will take responsibility for ensuring the delivery of the recently sanctioned £104bn five-year expenditure programme, progressing the £50bn pipeline of major projects and stabilising Thames Water as quickly as possible. Given the strategic importance of this work and the need to maintain momentum on these issues, Ms Campbell will report directly to the Ofwat Board.

These appointments will take effect from 30 August, 2025.'