Yorkshire Water: Former Capita CEO Jonathan Lewis to become chairman
Yorkshire Water has announced the appointment of a new chair as it prepares for a major investment programme.
Jonathan Lewis has been appointed as non-executive director and chair designate and will become chair of Yorkshire Water from 1 October 2026, succeeding Vanda Murray OBE DBA through a planned handover, a spokesman said.
The statement added: “Jonathan brings extensive experience leading complex infrastructure and services businesses through periods of transformation and long-term investment. As chair of Associated British Ports and former Chief Executive of Capita, Amec Foster Wheeler and senior executive at Halliburton, he has led major customer engagement, operational, financial and organisational change programmes, enabling businesses to improve delivery for their stakeholders.”
Ms Murray said: "It has been a privilege to chair Yorkshire Water over the last five years. During that time, we've navigated significant regulatory and industry change, secured our ambitious investment programme and strengthened the business for its next chapter through the support of our shareholders.
"While there remains much more to do, I'm proud that the company enters this next phase with a clear strategy, the largest investment programme in its history underway and the right leadership to deliver meaningful improvements for customers and the environment.
"I have great confidence in Yorkshire Water's future, and I wish Jonathan, the board and everyone across the business every success."
Mr Lewis, Chair Designate, commented: "I'm delighted to be joining Yorkshire Water at such an important point in its journey.
"The business has supportive shareholders and a significant investment programme already underway that will deliver lasting improvements for customers, communities and the environment.
"I'm looking forward to working together with the board, Nicola and the rest of the executive team to build on that progress, maintaining a relentless focus on delivering for our customers and the environment.”
A Yorkshire Water spokesman added: “With hundreds of projects progressing across Yorkshire and a clear focus on improving operational performance and upgrading infrastructure, the refreshed Board will bring additional experience in guiding complex infrastructure businesses through large-scale transformation programmes.