New South East Water CEO tackles immediate challenges as hosepipe bans and fines mount
John Halsall begins tenure with focus on customer concerns and operational resilience
South East Water's newly appointed CEO, John Halsall, steps into his role amidst pressing issues, including hosepipe bans, substantial fines, and customer dissatisfaction across Surrey and other regions.
The company, serving over two million customers in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, faces mounting challenges that Halsall aims to address promptly.
Earlier this year, South East Water incurred a £76,000 fine for unauthorised water extraction in Kent, and was recently penalised £30.5m due to supply failures that caused widespread disruption over several years.
This week, supplies in Surrey have dwindled, resulting in hosepipe bans, while residents in Kent resorted to collecting water from filling stations.
Halsall officially took the CEO position on 23rd July, following regulatory approval during a critical period for the firm.
In recognising the company's shortcomings, Halsall emphasised the necessity for substantial improvements, committed to listening to stakeholders and addressing operational challenges.
"My immediate priority is to respond to customers’ concerns about their water service and deliver the short-term improvements we can make now, while strengthening resilience for the future," Halsall said.
He made pledges to tackle day-to-day performance issues, drive operational excellence, and ensure transparent engagement with customers, stakeholders, and regulators, while promising long-term transformation within the organisation.
Halsall’s vast experience includes roles as chief operating officer at Pennon Group and senior positions at Network Rail and Thames Water, where he focused on operations, infrastructure, and water services.
He aims to initiate the largest investment programme in South East Water's history, embedding customer-centricity and preparing the organisation for future challenges.
"The work of turning around South East Water starts now," Halsall asserted, inviting customers to judge through actions rather than words.