PN 31/17: Ofwat announces appointment of new Chief Executive

 

Ofwat has today announced the appointment of Rachel Fletcher as its new Chief Executive.

Rachel joins from Ofgem where she is Senior Partner for Consumers and Competition and sits on the Ofgem Board.

She joined Ofgem in 2005 and during her time there was also Partner for Distribution, leading the Electricity Price Control Review and introduced the Low Carbon Network Fund. Before joining Ofgem, Rachel worked as a consultant advising public and private sector organisations around the world on energy strategy and policy.

Announcing her appointment, Jonson Cox, Chairman of Ofwat, said:

“This is such an exciting time for Ofwat and that was reflected in the strength of the candidates who applied to be our new Chief Executive.

“Rachel’s impressive track-record and experience in regulation of network and customer focused businesses, alongside her clear leadership qualities, make her an ideal Chief Executive for Ofwat. Rachel will complement the team leading the upcoming price review and she will take Ofwat forward to the next phase of its evolution beyond 2020. I am really looking forward to working with her as we push the water sector to deliver more of what matters for customers.

I would also like to express my appreciation to David Gray and Dermot Nolan at Ofgem for allowing Rachel to join us so promptly.”

Rachel Fletcher said:

“Ofwat has set a high ambition for what the sector should deliver for customers, and meeting this challenge is what makes the role so exciting.  With the upcoming price review, new business retail market and ongoing requirement for the sector to secure the trust and confidence of customers – there is lots to do.  I look forward to building on the work done so far and working with the Ofwat team to make a positive and lasting difference for customers.”

Rachel’s appointment follows the departure of Cathryn Ross, who is leaving to take up an executive positon at BT. Rachel will join Ofwat on 8 January.

ENDS

Notes to editor

  1. Ofwat will be making a formal application for Rachel Fletcher to join the Ofwat Board. As part of the process for appointing new members to the Ofwat Board, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will run a consultation

Ofwat Press Office:

Tel: 0121 644 7642
Email
: [email protected]