The chief financial officer of listed water provider Severn Trent has outlined plans to step down from the role later this year, with his successor having been selected.
James Bowling, who joined Severn Trent in April 2015, is retiring from executive roles to pursue a non-executive director career.
Following an internal and external search and selection process, Helen Miles has been selected to succeed Bowling in the role.
Miles joined Severn Trent in November 2014 as chief commercial officer and became the group’s capital and commercial services director in 2020, as well as the CFO of its Welsh regulated company, Hafren Dyfrdwy.
She has extensive CFO experience in the regulated utilities sector, having previously held the role at Openreach, part of BT Group Plc, and having served as CFO and board member of Homeserve UK.
Liv Garfield, chief executive, said: “I am truly sorry to see James retire. I want to thank him for everything he’s done for Severn Trent and all the support he has given to me personally.
“His fantastic work ethic, wise counsel and intellect have been invaluable. James has been instrumental in driving the success of Severn Trent since his appointment in 2015 and he leaves us well positioned for the future.
“Helen is a highly experienced and commercial CFO with a detailed understanding of the water sector and a proven track record of exceptional delivery. Helen embodies our culture and values and has been instrumental in so many of our major initiatives over the last eight years. I look forward to continuing to work with her on the opportunities ahead in her new role.”
Dr James Jesic, director of customer operations, will take over Miles’ responsibilities as capital and commercial services director and a search is underway to select his successor. He will continue as managing director of Hafren Dyfrdwy.
Bowling is expected to retire in July 2023.