Davy will take over from Andrew Livingston, chief executive of Yeovil-based trade supplier, Screwfix, in January 2018.
A qualified chartered accountant with 20 years’ experience in the utility sector, Davy has also worked at Yorkshire Water, and was finance director at South West Water from 2007 to 2015, before joining the Pennon board.
She is a member of the A4S (Accounting for Sustainability) CFO leadership network and has an interest in infrastructure, the environment and skills. In her role as south west chair of CBI, Davy will focus on supporting the region as the UK’s future relationship with the EU takes shape.
Davy, chair of CBI South West Council, said: “I’m honoured and delighted to succeed Andrew as the new chair of the CBI’s South West Council from January.
“At this critical time for the country and our region, the CBI will be striving for the best Brexit outcome for the South West and the UK. It’s also vital that businesses and our members have a seat at the table as new devolution deals are discussed.
“I very much look forward to working alongside Deborah Waddell and colleagues to support the South West’s fantastic businesses and entrepreneurs as we improve prosperity and productivity, and continue to back the South West.”
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director-general, added: “Susan’s wealth of experience, particularly in infrastructure – a key to unlocking the increased productivity which all our regions need – will help the CBI create the best possible conditions for its members in South West.
“As a new, post-Brexit landscape takes shape for the UK and the South West, Susan joins us at a pivotal time for the region’s economy and future, when firms will be looking for political stability and certainty from the Government. I look forward to working closely with Susan and Deborah to achieve this.”
Davy will represent the CBI’s members in the region with the government, local mayors, councils and policy makers. The CBI South West Council forms part of the CBI’s national policy making committee.
In October, Davy took part in a panel discussion at Moody’s 2017 UK Water Sector Conference, which explored the case for and against nationalisation of the water industry.
She argued the “stats, facts and figures speak for themselves in what has been achieved ”.
Davy questioned whether the future investment that is needed “could be financed from the public purse”.