OFWAT ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS

19 Feb 2003 10:15 AM

Director General Philip Fletcher today announced two new appointments to the Office of Water Services (Ofwat).

Tony Smith will join the Ofwat Board in early May as the new Director of Competition and Consumer Affairs. Mr Smith, who is currently working for the Strategic Rail Authority, brings a wealth of experience in managing utilities at a strategic level. This includes five years with Manweb, and more recently seven years with North of Scotland Water where he held the posts of Director of Corporate Affairs, Director of Investment and Customer Service, and Director of Development.

Mr Smith will succeed Mike Saunders CBE who retires from Ofwat after 13 years' service.

Huw Brooker will take up the position of Head of Legal Services at the start of April. Mr Brooker, who is currently Deputy Head of Legal Services at Ofwat, joined from Wragge & Co in 1999. He has specialised in competition law.

Mr Brooker will succeed Allan Merry who is leaving at the end of March after 13 years' service with Ofwat.
Philip Fletcher said:

"Ofwat has benefited enormously from the knowledge, skill and commitment that Mike Saunders and Allan Merry have brought to their work. Their contribution in establishing Ofwat as an effective regulator of the water industry has been invaluable.

"Tony Smith and Huw Brooker will bring a wide range of expertise and experience to their new roles at Ofwat that will complement the skills of our existing staff."

Note to Editors:

1. The appointments follow open competition for both posts.

2. The Office of Water Services (Ofwat) was established in 1989 to regulate the water industry in England and Wales.

publications and press notices can be found on Ofwat's website at: www.ofwat.gov.uk

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