New British Water Board Chief Executive Aims To Build Relationships With Utilities & Academia

Phil Black - PII Editor 09/03/2016

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Trade organisation British Water has announced changes to its governing board, with the appointment of Professor Tony Conway and the departure of Chief Executive Ashley Roe.

Professor Tony Conway, who during his time at United Utilities was known as ‘Director of Curiosity’ is an expert on innovation within the water sector. One of the best known and most widely respected figures in the industry, he is a Visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield Water Centre and acts as a consultant to a range of organisations operating in the water industry in the UK and around the world.

Tony Williams, Chairman of British Water said: “British Water is delighted to welcome Professor Tony Conway to the board. He has immense experience and a fantastic reputation within the industry.”

Roe steps down

Mr Williams also announced current Chief Executive Ashley Roe is to step down from his role. Lloyd Martin, Chairman of the British Water International Forum and Strategic Counsel at Bluewater Bio will take over as interim Chief Executive with immediate effect.

Williams said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the departure of Ashley Roe, for personal reasons. He has been an active member of British Water for fifteen years.

“As Chief Executive for the last two years Ashley Roe has helped strengthen the organisation and overseen a significant increase in membership. He has helped ensure British Water remains fully engaged with our members, keeping them up to date with research and regulation, offering opportunities for business development as well as ensuring British Water is giving the water industry a voice both at a national and an international level.”

Links with academia

British Water Chairman Tony Williams said the appointment of Prof Conway reflected a wish for the organisation to strengthen its relationship with UK utilities and with academia.

He said: “British Water is actively seeking to strengthen its working relationship with UK utilities and with thirty years experience in United Utilities, rising to become an Executive Director of the company, Professor Conway has a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the way the industry works.

“It is also increasingly important for our members to keep abreast with the latest academic research and development and Tony Conway’s work at the Sheffield Water Centre as well as his well known interest in innovation ensure he is always in touch of the most exciting developments in the industry.”

Professor Conway is also a special advisor to UK Water Industry Research, a director of the Water Industry Forum and a non-executive director of Aquam Corp.

Professor Conway said he was looking forward to joining British Water as a board member: “As a membership organisation British Water offers a great opportunity for people in the industry to work together and to share knowledge. I look forward to working with British Water members and learning from them as well as sharing my own views on the challenges the industry is facing and the opportunities to be pursued.”