Ofwat has announced David Black has been appointed as its permanent chief executive after 12 months in the role on an interim basis.
Black, who has been with the regulator since 2012, was previously the chief regulation officer in charge of the PR19 price review.
PR19 was heralded as the toughest price review the sector had been through and led to four appeals to the Competition and Markets Authority. During his time as interim chief executive Black was the driver of the monitoring of financial resilience report last November.
Black, said: “Water companies are facing profound challenges and growing scrutiny about their impacts – but they also have some real opportunities to create and provide best value for customers, especially in these difficult times. I am looking forward to working with Ofwat’s new chair, board members and the whole of the Ofwat team to push water companies to go further and faster in delivering for customers and the environment.”
Black will work with Iain Coucher, who was recently named as the government’s preferred candidate for Ofwat chair, taking over from Jonson Cox who will step down at the end of June.
Cox said: “I am delighted that David Black has been appointed as chief executive. I have seen first-hand his leadership qualities while he has filled the role on an interim basis. He has the experience, knowledge, and vision to push the water sector to do more for customers and the environment.”