Severn Trent Plc has today announced that Liv Garfield is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Severn Trent.
The Board said that James Jesic, currently Capital and Commercial Services Director at Severn Trent and Managing Director of sister company Hafren Dyfrdwy Cyfyngedig, has been selected to succeed Liv Garfield. The appointment follows a rigorous internal and external evaluation process, which reflects effective long-term succession planning.
A chartered engineer with a deep technical understanding of Severn Trent's operations, James joined Severn Trent as a graduate in 2003. During his 22-year career at the company he 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. He 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. He most recently played a leading role in expanding the commercial portfolio of the group, including the growth of Severn Trent's renewables business, Green Power.
Commenting on his appointment, James Jesic said:
"I've been privileged enough to lead many parts of the business, and to now become CEO 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.”
He will take over as CEO and join the Board from 1 January 2026. Liv Garfield will step down from the Board on 31st December 2025. She will remain with the business until the finalisation of the financial year ending 31March 2026 and will support the new CEO with a detailed handover of responsibilities, support and counsel to ensure a smooth transition.
Having made a strong start to the largest ever investment programme, Liv Garfield and the Board agree that this is the right time to transition to a new CEO, describing James as an exceptionally well-qualified internal successor to deliver the well-established plans for long-term and sustainable growth.
Photo: Liv Garfield Severn Trent CEO
steps down after leading Severn Trent into the start of its c£15 billion 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. The company has recently been awarded the highest 4-star rating for environmental performance by the Environment Agency for the sixth year running.
Christine Hodgson, Chair, 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...
“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."
Liv Garfield, commented:
"It has been a true privilege to be the CEO for the last 11 years…..
“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.”
Liv Garfield will continue to receive her salary, pension and benefits as usual until the end of her employment with Severn Trent, and she will be eligible for a bonus for the 2025/26 financial year (which she will have worked in full) subject to performance and deferral in the normal way.
She will remain subject to Severn Trent's 300% of salary post-employment shareholding requirement for 2 years after she steps down from the Board.
James Jesic's starting salary has been set at £775,000, compared to Liv's salary of £873,200. Variable remuneration levels will match those of Liv's current package, in line with the firm's 2024 Remuneration Policy.
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