Global consulting firm BRG has today announced the arrival of former Ofwat chief David Black as a managing director in the firm’s European Economic Regulation practice based in London, marking the latest in a series of senior additions to BRG’s offering in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Announcing the appointment, BRG said he brings to the firm significant experience in regulated industries, across the water, energy and communications sectors. He has worked both as a regulator and an advisor to companies and investors.

David Black spent over a decade at the UK’s water regulator Ofwat, most recently as its chief executive until August 2025, where he led the regulator through a challenging external environment — including Covid — securing new powers and broader regulatory tools. He also spearheaded the transformation of the sector through the 2024 Price Review and delivered the first Direct Procurement to Customers deal, enabling third-party involvement in infrastructure development.

He joins BRG from the UK Regulator’s Network, where he served as chief executive leading the approach of regulators to a new government agenda focused on economic growth. He also spent time as chair of the Regulatory Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) and has previously been an economist for HM Treasury in New Zealand.

In his new role at BRG, David Black will advise firms and investors across regulated industries as they navigate shifting regulatory frameworks, the transition to net zero, and broader environmental challenges, including the delivery of major infrastructure projects globally.

Commenting on his arrival, David Black said:

“Joining BRG’s rapidly growing Economic Regulation practice offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to some of the most significant matters across EMEA. Corporates and investors are facing increasingly complex environmental, operational, and regulatory challenges today, which demand deep sector insight and rigorous, nuanced analysis. This is precisely the approach that BRG brings to clients, and one that strongly aligns with my own experience and values.”

Managing Director in BRG’s London office and expert in regulatory economics Colm Gibson added:

“With new policies and regulatory frameworks on the horizon, such as upcoming price reviews and controls, David’s extensive experience at the intersection of regulated businesses, regulators, and policy makers comes at exactly the right time for our practice. We’re delighted to welcome him to BRG and look forward to working with him on some of the most pressing matters across this space.”

BRG Vice Chairperson Dr. David Sunding said:

“David’s arrival represents a significant strategic enhancement to our European Economic Regulation practice. His specialist insight drawn from decades working as a regulator and advisor strengthens our ability to support clients operating in dynamic and highly regulated sectors as they navigate the shifting regulatory landscape.”

The BRG London team there includes Ofgem non-executive director and former Ofwat chief economist Alena Kozakova, who joined the firm following BRG’s acquisition of the European economic consultancy E.CA Economics in April.