New boss set to take over at Anglian Water in August as CEO steps down after 11 years

Sarah Chambers
·3-min read
Mark Thurston, who is set to become chief executive of Anglian Water <i>(Image: Anglian Water)</i>
Mark Thurston, who is set to become chief executive of Anglian Water (Image: Anglian Water)

The former boss of HS2 is set to take over the reins at Anglian Water as its chief executive of nearly 11 years steps down.

Mark Thurston - who started out as a technician apprentice on the London Underground - has been appointed to succeed Peter Simpson to lead the utility company, which deals with water and sewerage.

He was the longest-serving chief executive of the new but scaled back high-speed rail link from London towards the Midlands and the North -  currently under construction.

During his tenure he developed a joint venture partnership model with the largest supply chain of any infrastructure project in the UK.

Mr Thurston will join Anglian Water on July 1 and take over as boss on August 5. He has been involved in other major infrastructure projects including the Olympics and Crossrail. He was also previously with engineering firm CH2M.

He is a chartered engineer, honorary fellow of the Association for Project Management, and fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Mr Simpson - the group's chief operating officer from 2004 before becoming chief executive - netted around £575k a year and a bonus of £302k based on 2022/23 figures.

He has presided over a particularly challenging period for the industry - including weather extremes from drought to deluge and increasing public anger at sewage discharge incidents across England.

Peter Simpson, who is retiring as CEO of Anglian Water (Image: Tim George) He will retire from the board in August but will stay on with the business as a strategic adviser to support a smooth transition before taking retirement. 
 
Anglian Water Group chair Ros Rivaz said she was delighted at Mark Thurston's appointment.

"He has substantial experience across major infrastructure with a focus on health and safety, and is expertly placed to lead Anglian Water as we deliver our biggest ever business plan," she said.

"His diverse experience in the challenges of providing infrastructure while protecting and enhancing the natural environment fits squarely with Anglian Water’s long-term ambitions.

"Mark’s stand-out track record in leadership and his major projects expertise will be a huge asset for Anglian Water, creating value for all our stakeholders, through this crucial next phase."

She added that it had been "a tremendous honour" to work with Peter Simpson, who had delivered more than £5bn of investment during his 10-year tenure.  
 
"Most recently, together with the board, Peter has worked to refresh his leadership team with top talent to facilitate his succession,” she said.
 
Mr Thurston described it as "a privilege" to join the business at a crucial point when it will be delivering some of the biggest infrastructure enhancements in the UK water industry.

"As well as providing vital services for millions of customers, Anglian Water has an outstanding culture, strong values and a clear purpose, which I am really excited to be part of," he said.

"My focus will be on making sure the business is set up for success for the long term and I look forward to engaging with customers, colleagues, regional stakeholders, government, regulators and our shareholders to deliver on our objectives.”  

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