Thames Water appoints new financial chief

Thames Water has appointed Alastair Cochran as its chief financial officer.

Cochran (pictured) will become the latest in a recent string of senior appointments at Thames when he joins the board and executive team on 6 September from his position as chief finance officer at energy sector infrastructure services firm Petrofac.

HIs move follows a decision by current potholder at Thames, Brandon Rennet, to leave after four years with the company.

Cochran has held a number of finance and commercial leadership roles at major organisations over the past 30 years including BG Group, and Morgan Stanley where he was as a senior investment banker advising clients in the utilities and natural resources sectors.

His appointment follows the recent recruitment of Francis Paonessa as capital delivery director, Warren Buckley as retail director and Cathryn Ross into a newly-created strategy and regulatory affairs director position.

Thames Water chief, Sarah Bentley, said Cochran “will now play a crucial role in helping us transform the service Thames Water provides to its customers, communities and the environment.” Cochran said: “I look forward to addressing the performance challenges today and help turn this important business around.”