Thames Water today announces Steve Spencer will step down as Operations Director for Thames Valley and Home Counties and move into a new position in the company.
Steve has been at Thames since 2012 and Operations Director since 2019, leading frontline Operations teams through a period of unprecedented change including Brexit and the Covid pandemic.
He’s stepped away from his current role due to health and personal reasons, a decision the business fully supports. He will now support the delivery of the Price Review submission for the next Asset Management Period (2025-2030), shaping the next crucial phase of Thames Water’s turnaround plan.
To replace Steve, Jim Bentley will rejoin the business as interim Operations Director for Thames Valley and the Home Counties (TVHC). Jim has a wealth of water industry experience in the UK and abroad, most recently as CEO of New South Wales Water in Australia.
Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO, said: “Steve has done an incredible job as Operations Director over the past three years.
“It’s been an unprecedented time for our frontline teams, with the current economic challenges due to the cost of living crisis, the Covid pandemic, and the fall out of Brexit. Steve’s expertise, dedication and leadership has been integral in helping us navigate these issues, and incredibly valued by his teams and our executive team and board.
“His deep industry knowledge and his 10 years of Thames Water experience will be used to support the design of our PR24 draft determination.”
Steve said: “This has been a tough personal decision, but I’d like to thank Thames Water for its continued support. I feel it’s now right to hand over the reins to Jim who will bring renewed energy to the role. I look forward to remaining a part of Team Thames and using my knowledge and experience to help develop our long-term plan, to make a real sustainable difference for our customers, the environment and future generations.”
Sarah added: “I am really excited to welcome Jim back to the business and to the executive team. He will play a pivotal role in supporting our customers and brings with him strong sector experience that will be invaluable, as we continue fixing the basics and tackling the structural challenges in our business.”
Jim joins Britain’s biggest water company from Australia where he held the position of Chief Executive at New South Wales (NSW) Water Sector on behalf of the Government of NSW, a role he held since 2019. He also previously worked at Thames in senior positions between 1992 and 2004.
Jim said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Thames Water and will work alongside Steve to ensure there is a smooth transition. I’ll be working to ensure that our two regional operating teams continue to work collaboratively to deliver life’s essential service to our customers and communities.”
