Anglian Water Group and Anglian Water Services have announced that Dr Ros Rivaz has stepped down as Chair of both Boards following a planned and orderly transition.
The Boards have confirmed that Sir Ian Cheshire has been appointed as the new Chair, effective 14 July 2026.
Sir Ian Cheshire brings extensive leadership and governance experience, including senior board roles across listed and private companies, previous Chair positions in FTSE 100 organisations, and strong track record in strategy, transformation and sustainability.
In a joint statement, the Boards expressed confidence that Sir Ian will provide strong leadership as Anglian Water continues to deliver alongside government-led regulatory reform, maintains momentum against its strategic priorities,and unlocks prosperity across Eastern England, in line with its Purpose.
Dr Rivaz has served on the Anglian Water Group and Anglian Water Services Boards since 2023, overseeing the recruitment and transition of the current CEO, CFO and Senior Independent Director, Anglian Water’s recent appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority, and the commitment of a £500m shareholder equity injection last year to maintain a sustainable and investable footing.
The change is timed to ensure continuity of leadership for the development of two new reservoirs (Fens and Lincs) as they progress from the planning stage into design and construction.
Sir Ian Cheshire, Incoming Chair, said:
“I am delighted to be joining as Chair of Anglian Water, at this critical juncture, when we have our biggest ever investment programme worth over £11bn and we are developing two of the UK’s new reservoirs. I believe in our purpose to bring environmental and economic prosperity to the East of England, and we will need to demonstrate that we are making real progress on pollution incidents, while continuing to help our great colleagues continue to be rightly proud of Anglian’s long history of local service.”
The transition takes effect from yesterday, supported by a structured handover between the outgoing and incoming Chair. There is no change to the company’s strategy or priorities as a result of the succession.