WIREDGOV

Ofwat is pleased to welcome four new non-executive Directors to its Board, following a joint process by Defra, the Welsh Government and Ofwat.

The four new non-executive members are:

• Nicola Bruce – Nicola has a background in corporate governance in regulated markets and in championing the interests of vulnerable customers. Nicola is a non-executive Director at the Anchor Hanover Group and was previously a non-executive Director at The Money Advice Service.
• David Jones – With a background in software and digital technology, and substantial business transformation experience, David also holds non-executive Director roles at Ofcom and Qualifications Wales. He brings a deep understanding of the Welsh policy landscape and economic, social, and environmental circumstances in Wales.
• Seema Kennedy OBE – Seema’s background is in corporate law and business, and as a former MP, she was Public Health Minister, Immigration Minister and Co-Chair of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.
• Jonathan Kini – Jonathan is currently the Managing Director of TalkTalk Business with wider business leadership experience in the telecoms and energy sectors.

Jonson Cox, Chair of Ofwat, said:

“I am really pleased to welcome all our new colleagues to the Board. Ofwat’s job entails balancing the interests of customers and investors, immediate and longer term priorities and holding water and wastewater providers to account for meeting their customers’ needs.

Our four new NEDs collectively bring a range of skills and experience that will provide support and challenge to Ofwat and will ensure that Ofwat continues to be led by a strong and effective board.”

The appointments, made by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, come as two non-executive members of Ofwat’s Board – Christine Farnish and Martin Lawrence – come to the end of their terms and will be stepping down at the end of the month.

Jonson Cox added:

“I also want to thank Martin and Christine for their very strong contributions to the board over the last eight years and two price reviews on many fronts. Both have contributed beyond the call of duty in ensuring that the board makes robust and fair decisions, and in providing support and challenge to our Board and executive team.”

Notes to Editor

1. The appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. Jonathan Kini, David Jones and Nicola Bruce have not declared any significant political activity. Seema Kennedy has held public office as a Conservative Member of Parliament.
2. Defra press notice
3. Biographies below

Nicola Bruce

Nicola Bruce is on the Board of the Anchor Hanover Group, the UK’s largest provider of housing and care for older people. She also sits on the Board of CS Healthcare, a mutual private health insurer, where she chairs the Remuneration Committee and is a member of the Risk & Governance Committee. She is also on the Board of Wings Travel Management where she is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.

Nicola was previously on the Board of the Government’s Money Advice Service, where she chaired the Investment Committee, supporting the merger of Money Advice with Pension Wise and The Pension Advisory Service in 2018.

David Jones

David Jones’ background is in software and digital technology where he has worked with several technology organisations on both strategy, investment and governance, including on the management of cybersecurity risks. He has also been CEO and Executive Chair of two successful software start-ups.

David also holds non-executive Director roles at Ofcom and Qualifications Wales, and has recently held similar roles at the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and the Welsh Revenue Authority.

Seema Kennedy OBE

Seema Kennedy’s background is in corporate law and business. Between 2015 and 2019 Seema was MP for South Ribble before standing down at the last election. As an MP she was Public Health Minister, Immigration Minister and Co-Chair of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.

Seema is currently the CEO of a charity which works to protect against gambling harms and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health.

Jonathan Kini

Jonathan Kini is currently the Managing Director of TalkTalk Business. Prior to this, Jonathan has held senior roles in Virgin Media and Vodafone across both B2C and B2B, and most recently worked for Drax Plc as CEO of its Customer Businesses. He is also an advisor to the Bank of England.

He currently chairs the Business in the Community (BITC) Net Zero Carbon Taskforce.