Chief who led Yorkshire Water overhaul steps down from role

KEVIN WHITEMAN is to relinquish his role as chief executive of Yorkshire Water but will continue in his role as chairman.

He will be replaced by Yorkshire Water's chief operating officer Richard Flint.

The planned succession, which is effective from April 1, marks the start of the company's new, five-year 1.9bn investment programme.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Over the past ten years Mr Whiteman, one of Yorkshire's most respected chief executives, has presided over a dramatic transformation in Yorkshire Water's fortunes.

During his time at the company Mr Whiteman has helped the group to transform from being the 'fat cat' of the water sector to one of the most efficient utilities in the UK.

Yorkshire Water was named Utility of the Year for three consecutive years from 2004-2006.

Mr Whiteman also gained external recognition as Business Leader of the Year at the National Business Awards in 2006. Yorkshire Water and its parent company Kelda was bought by a consortium of blue chip infrastructure funds in 2008.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Whiteman said: "Richard's appointment comes at the right time as we look to strengthen our business and deliver our new investment programme.

"The business has come a long way over the last ten years, but I know there is still much more we can achieve under Richard's leadership.

"I look forward to working with him in my continuing role as chairman."

As part of the changes at the top, group finance director, Allison Bainbridge is to leave the group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yorkshire Water said pre-tax profits for the year to September 30 rose six per cent to 116m thanks to higher tariffs and a reduction in costs.

The company is planning to spend 1.9bn in the Yorkshire region over the next five years to combat flooding and improve bathing water quality.

The group said turnover increased three per cent to 437.6m over the six-month period while average tariffs increased by 5.1 per cent.

It added that the effects of the current depressed economic climate have had an adverse impact on income from some business customers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yorkshire Water received the lowest number of complaints out of the 'big ten' water companies for the second year running, according to the latest report by the Consumer Council for Water.

Water regulator Ofwat's overall performance assessment ranked Yorkshire Water third out of the 'big ten' and the group said it has been ranked in the top four water and sewerage companies since 2001.