Former United Utilities finance director Matt Williams has joined Northumbrian Water as chief financial officer this month. Williams’ experience in senior finance roles spans aviation and the rail industry with his most recent position as chief financial officer at Northern Rail.
He replaces Mike Porter, who was with Northumbrian since 2020 but left to join Network Plus.
He worked in senior finance roles across UU between 2002 and 2010 including in its gas division as well as commercial, procurement and billing services.
Chief executive Heidi Mottram said: “I am confident that he will hit the ground running, as he has a fantastic wealth of experience and knowledge thanks to his previous roles. He has an impressive track record in leading highly successful teams and I am sure that will continue in his role with us.
“I have no doubt that he will be a great addition to our executive leadership team and will share the values of the company.”
The market operator for the non-household water sector, MOSL, named two new non-executive directors to its board. Chris Pond brings non-executive experience including as chair of TrustMark, the Financial Inclusion Commission and Cape Claims Services; Pond was MP for Gravesham for eight years to 2005 with roles in the Treasury building expertise working in the public sector.
Separately WaterPlus’ legal and regulatory director, Anita Adam, has been elected to the board as new associated retailer non-executive director. Adam replaces Lucy Darch, chief executive of Wave, whose three-year term on the board completes this month.
MOSL chair Anne Heal welcomed the new board members: “Chris joins the board with a wealth of experience in leadership and NED positions and his background in both the public and private sectors will bring valuable and complementary expertise to our board.
“I would also like to welcome Anita, whose combined legal, corporate affairs and regulatory experience will be of great value as we continue to seek to advance an effective and customer focused water market. In welcoming Anita, I would like to thank Lucy Darch for her contribution to the Board over the past three years.”
Meanwhile, Vattenfall has named Alina Gheorghiu-Currie as director for London within its UK heat division as the organisation works towards creating two district heating networks in the capital.
Gheorghiu-Currie joins into the newly created role to develop low carbon heating initiatives. This is the second addition to the UK heat team this month as the organisation prepares to bolster its presence rolling out heat networks in urban areas.
She brings 20 years’ experience working in finance, investing and consultancy within the renewable energy sector including vice president of the Green Investment Group.
Jenny Curtis, recently appointed managing director at Vattenfall Heat UK, said: “This is a proud and exciting moment as we expand a dedicated team to serve London. Heat networks are best suited to cities and Vattenfall is already on the ground in London developing our Brent Cross Town & Riverside Heat Network. Vattenfall is ready to partner with the Greater London Authority, London boroughs, commercial organisations and communities across London to free the city from fossil-fuelled heating.”