Anita Payne, currently Director, Insight and Impact at Ofwat, has been announced as the new Executive Director of the Water Industry Forum (WIF), the independent and neutral thought leadership forum of British Water.

Taking up the role in mid-July 2023, she will succeed Peter Drake who steps down after having led WIF since its 2009 formation.

Announcing the appointment, the Water Industry Forum said Anita Payne brings to the WIF Executive Director role a deep understanding of the water industry landscape, having engaged with a wide range of issues across the sector including Price Reviews, open data, competition, affordability and support for vulnerable customers.

She has also previously worked as an economic adviser on water issues at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in London and the European Commission.

Commenting on her appointment, WIF Chair, Professor Tony Conway said:

“I am so pleased to welcome Anita to her role as Executive Director. Anita joins WIF at a pivotal time for the water sector when delivery of positive change demands collaboration. We are passionate about what we do, and I look forward to working alongside Anita as WIF makes its collaborative contribution to the next chapter of our industry.

“With WIF enabling conversations to happen which otherwise wouldn’t occur and creating thought leadership working across its industry wide stakeholder forum, Peter Drake has made an immense and highly valued contribution.”

Peter Drake will continue on a part time basis in a supporting role for a period of transition.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Water Industry Forum tackles challenges facing the UK water sector through thought leadership and facilitated collaborative working. It does this by providing a forum which is both independent and neutral, enabling multiple stakeholders to come together to share ideas and develop solutions.

The Water Industry Forum operates as an independent subsidiary of British Water - a cross sector membership organisation which provides thought leadership, support and best practice for the UK water sector, and helps to address the challenges faced by the sector.