Affinity appoints new CEO

Affinity Water has appointed Keith Haslett as chief executive, a year after Pauline Walsh departed the role.

He replaces Stuart Ledger who has been interim chief executive for the past 12 months.

Utility Week understands that Ledger, who stepped up to the role after the departure of Walsh last September, will leave Affinity to join Southern Water as chief financial officer after nearly five years with Affinity.

Haslett, who has been water director at Northumbrian since 2020, is expected to join Affinity in November with Ledger remaining in an advisory role until that point.

Prior to Northumbrian, Haslett spent almost six years with United Utilities as executive director of wastewater and business manager. His experience includes roles at overseas water companies at Northern Ireland Water as well as in Estonia and New Zealand.

Affinity Water chair Ian Tyler, said: “Keith has a deep knowledge and experience of the water industry and has a formidable track record.  I believe he will build on the legacy of Stuart’s excellent management and will provide strong leadership through the next price review whilst continuing to deliver improved service to our customers.”

Tyler thanked Ledger for his “huge contribution” both as chief financial officer and interim chief executive leading the company’s turnaround in performance.

Haslett added: “I am delighted to be joining Affinity Water as chief executive, particularly at such an important time in the regulatory period as we head into the next price review. Affinity is a business with huge potential, and I feel that my long track record and deep experience in the industry mean that I can help take the business forward, building on the work Stuart and the team have done so far.”

Ledger said: “I will have completed five amazing years at Affinity Water. I am proud to have been part of providing an essential service to our customers. I am particularly proud of what we have done for the organisation to become more sustainable and resilient, both financially and operationally.

“I remain committed to leading the company until Keith joins the company. I want to thank everyone in the business for the support I have had throughout my time at Affinity Water.”