Warrington-based water giant United Utilities announced that Louise Beardmore will take up the role of CEO on March 31, 2023.

United Utilities is the UK’s largest listed water and wastewater company and is a constituent of the FTSE 100.

“On 27 April 2022, the company announced the intention of CEO Steve Mogford to retire in early 2023 and the appointment of Louise Beardmore as CEO designate,” said the company.

“Steve will step down from the boards of United Utilities Group PLC and United Utilities Water Limited on 31 March 2023, when Louise will become CEO.”

Beardmore was previously Customer Service and People Director at United Utilities, and also held senior roles in the group at North West Water, Norweb Plc and Vertex.

United Utilities chair David Higgins said: ‘It has been a privilege to work with Steve, who has been CEO since 2011.

“On behalf of the board, I wish to express my sincere thanks to him for the extensive improvements he has overseen in the performance of the business during his tenure as CEO, along with a number of key projects, in particular, the successful delivery of the West Cumbria Project providing customers in the region with a new resilient water supply.

“Steve has driven forward the group’s strategy and improved engagement with all our stakeholders.

“He has made a huge contribution to United Utilities and we wish him well for the future.”