South West Water Boss Named New President of the Institute of Water

Susan Davy to Lead Institute of Water Through Major Industry Shifts

The Chief Executive of South West Water, Susan Davy, has been elected as the new President of the Institute of Water, marking a significant leadership change for the organisation. Susan, who is also CEO of Pennon, took on the role following the Institute’s Annual General Meeting last month.

Susan, an advocate for graduate and apprenticeship programmes, has been a key player in developing new talent in the water industry. She believes that investment in people is the key to transforming the sector. Speaking after her appointment, she emphasised the importance of the people working behind the scenes to keep the water industry running, noting that 30,000 new jobs and 4,000 apprenticeships are being created as the industry adapts to technological advancements and the challenges posed by climate change.

Susan’s Role as President

As the new President of the Institute of Water, Susan will take the lead on the Annual Conference 2025, the organisation’s flagship event, which will be held in the South West next September to celebrate the Institute’s 80th Anniversary. Her presidency will focus on enhancing collaboration across the UK water industry and ensuring that the Institute remains a valuable resource for water professionals at all stages of their careers.

Matt Bower, Chair of the Institute of Water, praised Susan’s leadership, noting her vast experience in the water sector and how it would benefit the organisation as they prepare for the upcoming conference.

Gabrielle Mandell, CEO of the Institute of Water, added that the organisation is looking forward to working with Susan over the coming year, with her leadership being instrumental in preparing for the conference and continuing to support the industry’s future workforce.

Susan’s Background in the Water Industry

Susan has been the CEO of Pennon since July 2020, after previously serving as the company’s Chief Financial Officer from 2015. Her expertise in financial and regulatory matters has played a significant role in shaping Pennon’s strategy, helping it to become one of the leading businesses in the UK water sector.

The Institute of Water, which has over 2,500 members across the UK, provides water professionals with opportunities to broaden their knowledge, expand their network, and advance their careers. It has been serving the UK’s water professionals for nearly 80 years, with members from a wide range of water sector roles, including suppliers, academia, regulators, and non-governmental organisations.

For more information on the Institute of Water, visit their website.

Key Events on the Horizon

With the 80th Anniversary of the Institute of Water approaching, the Annual Conference 2025 promises to be a significant event under Susan’s leadership. Set to take place in the South West, it will bring together professionals from across the water sector to discuss the future of the industry, with a focus on adaptability, environmental skills, and collaboration.

Susan’s presidency comes at a crucial time for the water industry, as it faces increasing pressures from climate change and advances in technology. Her commitment to championing the people who make the industry work will be central to her leadership of the Institute of Water over the coming year.

Susan Davy, CEO of Pennon