John Halsall Named CEO of South East Water Following Regulatory Approval to Drive Operational Excellence

Leadership Transition Highlights Focus on Operational Turnaround

Serving over two million customers in South East England, South East Water Limited has appointed John Halsall as CEO starting 23 July 2026, following regulatory approval. Halsall’s extensive background in transforming complex infrastructure operations positions him to address the company’s operational challenges amid heightened scrutiny on service reliability and customer satisfaction. This leadership change underscores the board’s commitment to restoring customer trust and accelerating infrastructure modernisation within a tightly regulated environment overseen by Ofwat.

The board’s decision reflects a strategic emphasis on operational excellence and customer service recovery. Halsall’s appointment signals an urgent need for sustained improvements in daily operations. Given South East Water’s regulatory obligations and service area demands, this leadership transition is critical as the company prepares to boost investment and meet evolving customer expectations.

Extensive Experience in Multi-Regional Water Operations

John Halsall’s career includes managing water and wastewater operations across South West Water, Bournemouth Water, and Bristol Water during his tenure as COO at Pennon Group. This multi-company leadership experience equips him with insights into the operational complexities of regional water utilities, including infrastructure coordination, regulatory compliance, and service delivery across diverse regions. Additionally, Halsall’s senior roles at Network Rail and 17 years at Thames Water have provided him with deep expertise in engineering, asset management, and capital delivery, relevant to South East Water’s upcoming investment initiatives.

Three Strategic Pillars for Initial Nine Months

On his first day as CEO, Halsall outlined three immediate priorities: enhancing day-to-day performance, driving operational excellence, and ensuring transparent engagement with customers, stakeholders, and regulators. These pillars focus on improving service reliability, water quality, and customer-facing operations to rebuild trust. Operational excellence will target leak detection, water treatment efficiency, and asset maintenance, while transparent communication aims to strengthen relationships with Ofwat and other key stakeholders critical for regulatory compliance and investment approval.

Long-Term Vision Emphasizing Investment and Customer Focus

Beyond the initial period, Halsall plans to embed customer centricity throughout South East Water and lead the company’s largest investment programme in its history. This ambitious capital plan will address network renewal, treatment upgrades, leak reduction, and resilience measures against water scarcity and climate change. Emphasizing customer-focused values marks a cultural shift to align operational and investment decisions with customer expectations, supporting improved satisfaction and sustainability outcomes.

Board Endorses Halsall’s Leadership and Turnaround Expertise

Lisa Clement, Independent Non-Executive Director and Interim Chair, affirmed the board’s confidence in Halsall’s capability to enhance company performance and rebuild customer trust. She highlighted the necessity for a safe, reliable water supply and the urgency to accelerate improvements. The appointment of an experienced leader with a proven track record across multiple water companies reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritise operational turnaround and reputational recovery.

Regulatory Approval and Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Halsall’s appointment received regulatory approval from Ofwat, confirming his fitness to lead a major regional water utility. The board has disclosed no conflicts of interest related to this appointment. Halsall’s prior directorships include South West Water Ltd, Network Rail (High Speed) Ltd, and Network Rail Property Ltd, and he currently serves as a director at Picotee Blue Ltd. These disclosures ensure transparency and confirm compliance with governance standards.

Industry Challenges and Strategic Context

Operating within the highly regulated English water sector, South East Water faces challenges including aging infrastructure, climate-driven water scarcity, rising customer expectations, and regulatory demands to reduce leakage and improve resilience. Halsall’s appointment and strategic focus on operational competence and transparent stakeholder engagement reflect the company’s recognition of these pressures and the importance of securing regulatory and customer support for its capital investment plans.

Outlook and Investor Guidance

South East Water’s immediate priority will be supporting Halsall’s execution of his three pledges during his first nine months. Investors should monitor operational metrics such as water quality, leakage rates, complaint resolution, and service reliability, alongside the company’s engagement with Ofwat, especially in relation to upcoming price control reviews or investment approvals. While initial improvements may become visible within months, the broader transformation and largest investment programme will unfold over several years. Updates will be provided through regulatory filings, company releases, and investor communications. For investor inquiries, contact James Grant, Head of Investor Relations, at 01634 276177 or [email protected].