Water UK appoints former energy retail body leader as new chief

Ex-journalist and former leader of industry trade body, Energy UK, Christine McGourty, will take the reins from Michael Roberts as Water UK chief executive on 16 December.

McGourty (pictured) has extensive experience in regulated industries and trade bodies, leading the corporate affairs functions at Centrica, British Gas and Energy UK, as well as serving as a non-executive board member at Smart Energy GB.

Her most recent role was as chief corporate affairs officer at engineering and technology company Laird.

Prior to entering the corporate world, McGourty was a journalist for more than 20 years, including reporting on science, technology and environmental issues for the BBC and the Daily Telegraph.

Roberts is stepping down as chief executive after four years in the role.