Committee publication · Correspondence · 19 May 2026
Correspondence from South East Water in relation to David Hinton resigning as CEO, dated 8 May 2026
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Reforming the water sector
Summary
South East Water's interim chair Lisa Clement informs the EFRA Committee that CEO David Hinton has resigned, citing his position becoming a distraction during the company's transformation plan. Hinton will remain until a successor is found over the summer. An external search for a permanent independent non-executive chair is underway.
Key findings
- David Hinton, CEO of South East Water, has resigned effective immediately but will remain in post during transition period
- Hinton's resignation attributed to his position becoming a distraction from the company's transformation plan to improve network resilience and water capacity
- South East Water is undertaking a comprehensive company-wide transformation to improve supply network resilience and increase water capacity in high-priority areas
- External independent search process underway for permanent Independent Non-Executive Chair; new permanent chair will be involved in CEO recruitment
Tone
ProceduralTopics
water-supplycorporate-governanceinfrastructure-resilience
Key actors
David Hinton, Lisa Clement, South East Water, Alistair Carmichael MP
Notable line
“David recognises that his position has become an increasing distraction from the Company's ability to deliver during a critical period of positive …”
Key Quotes
“David recognises that his position has become an increasing distraction from the Company's ability to deliver during a critical period of positive, transformative change for our customers and local communities.”
“As Interim Chair, my focus will continue to be on delivering engineering and operational changes that will strengthen the resilience of South East Water's network and transform the Company for the benefit of customers and local communities.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗