Yorkshire Water announced said on Friday former Capita and Amec Foster Wheeler CEO Jonathan Lewis will become its chair from October 1, 2026, succeeding Vanda Murray through a planned handover.

“The current board has successfully led the company through an important period, including the PR24 Price Review process and established the foundations for the significant investment programme now underway,” said Yorkshire Water.

“As Yorkshire Water now enters its next phase of development, it is natural that the Board transitions.

“Today’s news follows a planned governance review to reflect the company’s transition following the first year of AMP8, its new ownership arrangements and the scale of the ongoing £8.3 billion investment programme.

“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.

“Additional announcements are expected in the near future about new independent non-executive director appointments …

“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.”

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 AMP8 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.”

Lewis said: “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.”