Thames confirms early departure of retail director

Warren Buckley will retire early from his post as retail director at Thames Water in January, the company has confirmed, having served less than two years in post after being appointed as part of the top team implementing Thames’ turnaround plan.

David Bird (pictured), who joined the company mid November, will act as interim while a permanent replacement is found. Bird was most recently chief operating officer at Biffa, and formerly chief executive officer of Co-op Energy and managing director of E.ON’s UK residential business.

Thames gave no reason for Buckley departure. It credited him with halving customer complaints during his tenure. But Thames was bottom on C-MeX for 2021-22.

Buckley will continue in his role as chair of Citizens Advice, a position he took up in 2018 having served as a trustee since 2012.