Southern Water appoints Andrew Davies as Chair Designate

Southern Water today announces the appointment of Andrew Davies as Chair Designate. Andrew will join the Board with immediate effect and will succeed Keith Lough as Chair on 16 July 2026. Keith, who has served as Chair since August 2019, will retire from the Board on the same day.

Andrew brings extensive leadership experience across infrastructure, construction and engineering. He was previously Chief Executive of Kier Group plc from April 2019 to October 2025, where he led a significant transformation of the business into one of the UK’s leading infrastructure services, construction and property groups.

Andrew has also served as Senior Independent Director of Chemring Group plc between May 2016 and January 2025, and as Chief Executive of Wates Group between January 2014 and January 2018.

Keith Lough, Chair of Southern Water, said:

“It has been a privilege to chair Southern Water over the last 7 years through sustained efforts to change the company’s culture and performance. Progress is now visible and measurable and I am proud of the unstinting commitment of our people and partners, under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Lawrence Gosden, in making this happen.

“The business is now on a stronger footing, with a more resilient financial position and a highly capable leadership team in place. With record levels of investment underway, and with the company’s commitment to engagement and openness, I am confident Southern Water will deliver the improvements our customers want and the environment deserves. 

“I am very pleased that Andrew Davies will be taking on the role as Chair. He brings deep infrastructure experience and a strong track record as a business leader, and I am confident the company will benefit from his expertise in the years ahead.”

Andrew Davies said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Southern Water as Chair at such an important moment for the business and the wider sector. Customers and regulators demand to see faster and more sustained improvements in performance, and it’s clear that the company must continue to rise to that challenge.

“Southern Water has made important progress in recent years, and I look forward to working closely with Lawrence and his executive team to build on these foundations. Together, our focus will be on delivering tangible, lasting improvements for customers and the environment, while ensuring the business is well positioned for the future.”

Lawrence Gosden, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Water, said:

“I’d like to thank Keith for his counsel and support throughout his tenure. He has been a highly committed Chair as we navigated a challenging regulatory and political environment and executed the Southern Water turnaround plan. Keith is a life-long fly fisherman and keen naturalist, and his insights have been particularly helpful as we work with partners to restore the health of the region’s precious chalkstreams.