Water watchdog appoints new chair to lead it through uncharted waters
The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) is delighted to announce the appointment of a new chair to lead the consumer body through a period of major change in the water industry.
Successful businessman Alan Lovell will begin his four-year post with the water watchdog on April 1 after being jointly appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Welsh Government.
He succeeds Dame Yve Buckland who has been at the helm since CCWater was established to represent the interests of water and sewerage customers in October 2005.
Alan boasts a wealth of experience in business having been chief executive of six major companies, including construction business Costain and sports equipment retailer Dunlop Slazenger.
His appointment was warmly welcomed by Tony Smith, Chief Executive of CCWater, who said: “Alan’s distinguished career in business will be an invaluable asset to CCWater as we continue to deal with regulated water companies and move towards increased competition in the water industry in England in April 2017.
“We’re determined to ensure customers’ interests are reflected in the new marketplace and Alan will play a lead role in ensuring the industry acts in the best interests of consumers.”
Tony Smith also paid tribute to the contribution of departing chair Dame Yve who has provided CCWater with an influential voice for consumers.
“The water industry has come a long way in the past decade with water companies and regulators now putting customers at the heart of decision making,” Tony Smith said.
“Dame Yve has done an outstanding job in helping to shift the focus of the industry onto water customers. The challenge for us now is keeping customers at the ‘top table’ and ensuring water companies deliver on the promises they’ve made to hold down bills and invest in the services that matter most to customers”
Alan’s appointment was made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The Code requires appointees to declare any significant political activity. Alan did not declare any political activity.
Biographical details
Alan Lovell is currently Senior Independent Director at Sweett Group plc and a non-executive director of two clean energy businesses and of IAC Acoustics. He is also on the Council of Lloyd’s and Chairman of the Association of Lloyd’s Members, as well as acting as an advisor for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Alan read Classics at Oxford University before qualifying as a chartered accountant with PwC.
During a long and distinguished career in business, he has been chief executive of six companies including Costain, Dunlop Slazenger, Jarvis, Infinis and Tamar – the latter two being developers of renewable energy projects.
In the not-for-profit world Alan is the founding Chairman of the Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Blue Lamp Trust. He is also Vice Chairman of the Mary Rose Trust, a Governor of the University of Winchester and both a Trustee and Council Member of Winchester Cathedral.
Alan is married with two grown-up children.
For more information contact the CCWater press office on 0121 345 1005.