Thames appoints broadband giant's ex-estates chief to guide its green energy and spaces

Thames Water has appointed Tony Vasishta to head up a new business that will aim to expand Thames’ renewable energy business and open-up more green spaces for the public in London and the Thames Valley.

Vasishta (pictured) will start on July 6 as chief executive of Ventures, the new arm that will look to create value from Thames Water’s estate. Thames Water chief, Sarah Bentley, said Vasishta had a “ successful track record of starting, creating and growing businesses from inception to maturity," and described his experience as "just what we need as we look to develop our Ventures business and provide our customers with self-generated clean, green energy.”

Vasishta said: “The opportunities the company has to grow this business are considerable, especially in the area of renewable energy.”

Vasishta joined Thames from international TV and broadband company, Liberty Global, where he was managing director of Global Real Estate and Facilities and the chief of the company’s wholly owned real estate arm. Prior to Liberty he led the real estate and asset management function for coffee house firm Starbucks, in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.