Southern chief announces plans to retire at the end of the year

Southern Water’s chief executive, Ian McAulay, has announced he plans to retire at the end of the year.

McAulay (pictured) said: “After more than 35 years of working in the UK water industry and across the world, I have now reached the point where it is right to retire from full time work. I do so both to commit to spending much more time with my family, and to hand over the leadership of Southern Water to a new chief executive officer at the appropriate time."

He added: "That time is in the year ahead, at the end of which we will have delivered a second year of record investment and be well underway with developing our plans for AMP8. It is right for my successor to finalise the development of the company business plan for AMP8, deliver the new regulatory settlement and lead the company into that period.

“My priority this year is to work with the board and leadership team to deliver Southern Water’s ambitious plans and ensure a smooth transition”.

Southern Water confirmed the process to identify and select a new chief executive officer is underway and an announcement regarding a successor will be made later this year.