WATER company Severn Trent has welcomed a new top boss.
James Jesic has been selected to succeed Liv Garfield as chief Executive Officer and executive director.
James is currently capital and commercial services director at Severn Trent and managing director of Hafren Dyfrdwy Cyfyngedig.
He will take over as chief executive and join the Board on January 1.
Liv will step down from the Board on December 31 and will remain with the business until the finalisation of the financial year ending March 31 and will support James with a detailed handover of responsibilities, support and counsel to ensure a smooth transition.
Liv steps down after leading Severn Trent into the start of its £15bn price review period, a plan which was rated Outstanding by Ofwat, enabling record levels of investment in the water and waste networks across the Midlands.
Liv said: “It has been a true privilege to be the chief executive for the last 11 years. I love the business, and I love the people. I’m grateful to have led an incredible team of hard working and passionate individuals that make Severn Trent the very special company it is today.
“I am proud that together we have become widely recognised as a sector leader and now have our largest ever investment programme ahead of us. I couldn’t be happier that James is taking the baton to lead the organisation through the next period of growth, and I know he will do an excellent job.”
The company has also been awarded the highest 4-star rating for environmental performance by the Environment Agency for the sixth year running.
James, a chartered engineer, joined Severn Trent as a graduate in 2003 and has since worked across the full breadth of the business.
He was appointed to the Severn Trent Executive Committee in 2018, later becoming customer operations director.
In 2023 he became capital and commercial services director, responsible for delivering the Severn Trent’s multi-billion-pound capital design and delivery programme. James was also appointed to the Board of Hafren Dyfrdwy, Severn Trent’s licensed entity in Wales, in July 2020, taking on the role of managing director.
James said: “I’ve been privileged enough to lead many parts of the business, and to now become chief executive is an absolute honour.
“The pride I feel for Severn Trent and for the Midlands is huge. Not only have I grown my career within this business, but I’ve always been a Severn Trent customer.
“Every day I see first-hand the passion and pride that Severn Trenters bring in delivering our service and I am excited to continue that for years to come, and lead the business forward into its next chapter, delivering for customers, the region and all of our stakeholders.”
Christine Hodgson, chair at Severn Trent Plc, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Liv for 11 years of outstanding leadership.
“With her laser sharp focus on performance, she has transformed Severn Trent to be a recognised sector leader.
“She leaves the business in a strong financial and operational position, underpinned by a culture built on care, passion and an unwavering commitment to getting the job done.
“Liv is an exceptional talent and much valued colleague, whose impact will be felt for many years to come.
“After a thorough process, we are delighted to announce the appointment of James Jesic, a home-grown leader, who has already played a significant role in the success to date of Severn Trent.
“His operational expertise and performance focus, along with his passion for our people, purpose and region, make him the ideal person to lead Severn Trent into our next phase.”
