Water2business has appointed Wessex Water’s former head of internal audit Barry Hayward as its chief operating officer.
Hayward, who has 17 years’ experience in the industry, takes over from Lynne Stephens who is retiring after a 38-year career in the sector.
The new chief operating officer has worked in various roles in commercial finance, developer services, engineering, operational customer contact and auditing.
Speaking of his appointment, Hayward said: “I’m delighted to be joining the motivated, hard-working and customer-focused team that is Water2business and look forward to being a part of the evolving retail market.”
Charley Maher, managing director of Water2business, said: “On behalf of everyone at Water2business, I’d like to thank Lynne for her commitment and dedication to the business.
“Her extensive experience in leading people, customer services and in the water industry itself has helped shape Water2business into the leading retailer that it is today.
“We wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement and I look forward to the new dynamic that Barry will bring to the team.”
Water2business was born out of a joint-billing venture created by Bristol Water and Wessex Water in 2000.
From 1 April 2017, when the market opened up, business customers from Bristol Water and Wessex Water were transferred automatically to Water2business.
Last year the company announced it had won a three-year contract to provide water retail services to national care provider The Orders of St John Care Trust.