Committee publication · Correspondence · 30 June 2026
Correspondence from South East Water regarding leadership updates, dated 22 June 2026
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Reforming the water sector
Summary
South East Water notifies the EFRA Committee of leadership changes and strategic direction. John Halsall is appointed CEO-Designate to succeed David Hinton, bringing 35 years of infrastructure experience. The company outlines four key priorities: immediate customer service improvements, a £2.1 billion network resilience investment programme, business transformation via 'Project Lighthouse', and technology modernisation.
Key findings
- John Halsall appointed CEO-Designate, succeeding David Hinton; appointment subject to regulatory approvals
- Halsall brings 35 years of experience including senior roles at Pennon Group, Network Rail, and Thames Water
- South East Water plans £2.1 billion investment programme for network resilience and water supply stabilisation
- Company prioritises short-term customer service improvements and implementation of 'Project Lighthouse' business transformation programme
- Strategic focus on integrating smarter technology to modernise infrastructure and meet future drinking water requirements
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
John Halsall, David Hinton, Lisa Clement, Alistair Carmichael, South East Water, Pennon Group, Network Rail, Thames Water
Notable line
“We see this investment as a vital step to underpinning the provision of the public water supply, improving reliability and resilience in the south east.”
Key Quotes
“Our priorities are clear: responding to customers' immediate concerns around their water service - delivering immediately on the short term improvements we can make both today and over the coming weeks and months.”
“In the longer term I am excited by the opportunity to deliver the company's largest ever investment programme of £2.1bn.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗