Andrew Davies, the chief executive officer (CEO) who led construction giant Kier back into the FTSE 250, has landed a role at Southern Water.
Davies has been appointed chairman designate at the utilities firm, joining the Board immediately, and will succeed Keith Lough when he retires in July.
He brings extensive experience in infrastructure, construction, and engineering, having led Kier Group for six years before leaving in October.
During his tenure, he oversaw a record £11 billion order book and guided the company back into the FTSE 250, with Stuart Togwell, group managing director of construction, taking over as CEO.
His departure last October coincided with Kier Group’s FY2025 trading update, which forecasted a 22 per cent increase in year-end cash to £204 million, a reduction in average month-end net debt to -£49 million from -£116 million, and 88 per cent of group revenue secured for FY2026.
Currently chairman of joint venture Eiffage Kier Ferrovial BAM, Davies has also held leadership roles at Wates Group, serving as CEO from 2014 to 2018, and at Chemring Group, where he was senior independent director for nine years.
Lough praised Davies’ appointment, saying his “deep infrastructure experience and strong track record as a business leader” would strengthen the company as record investment continues.
While Davies said he was “delighted” to join Southern Water during an “important moment” for the business and the wider sector.
He said: “Together, our focus will be on delivering tangible, lasting improvements for customers and the environment, while ensuring the business is well positioned for the future.”
Southern Water CEO Lawrence Gosden thanked Lough for his leadership during the company’s turnaround and operational improvements.
The company, which serves Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, reported a turnover of £964.2 million for the year to March 2025, with a reduced operating loss of £16.6 million, down from £72.3 million in FY2024.
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