Ofwat chief executive David Black has announced he will step down at the end of the month.
Black’s resignation comes after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced last month that Ofwat would be abolished and transferred into a new integrated water regulator.
Ofwat said Black – who has led Ofwat since April 2021 – had “decided the time is right for him to pursue new opportunities”.
Commenting on his decision, Black said: “I have been privileged to be able to lead Ofwat over the last four years, during which time we have achieved a huge amount together as a team for customers and the environment.
“The 2024 price review backed an investment programme of £104bn, along with a further £50bn investment in major new water resources, which will improve service, environmental outcomes and resilience in the years to come. I wish the team every success as they continue their important work."
Black's departure ends a 13-year spell at the regulator. Black joined Ofwat in 2012 as director of economics and became a senior director in 2015. He was named chief regulation officer in 2020 and led the 2019 price review. He then became interim chief exec in April 2021, before being appointed permanently to the role in April 2022.
Ofwat chair Ian Coucher said Black has “worked tirelessly to bring about transformational change in the water sector.
“He has sought new regulatory powers and resources to hold companies to account, taken major enforcement action and provided funding and incentive packages that drive continual improvements for customers,” Coucher added.
“On behalf of the board and everyone at Ofwat, I would like to thank David for his leadership and his service over the last 13 years and to wish him every success in the future.”
The plans for a new water regulator – which will take over responsibility for water functions that are currently across Ofwat, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate – will go out to consultation this autumn and form the basis of a new water reform bill.
Ofwat said an interim appointment “will be made in due course”.