Sir David takes over from Peter Simpson, Managing Director of Anglian Water, who announced in April that he would be stepping down to focus more fully on the forthcoming price review.

Commenting on Sir David's appointment, Peter Simpson said:

"This is a hugely significant moment for Water UK and the industry. In attracting someone of Sir David's calibre and senior experience in both Whitehall and industry, we are redefining our leadership position. With our focus increasingly on driving standards of customer service, investing in essential infrastructure and helping to shape industry and regulatory reform, David will bring a fresh and challenging perspective to our work. I look forward to supporting David in every way I can, and look forward to remaining a member of Water UK's Board."

"At the request of Water Minister Richard Benyon, I will continue to serve on the Government's High Level Group on market reform, and take the opportunity to renew my commitment to making a success of the introduction of retail competition.

"Looking back over the past two years, I have been particularly proud of the way the industry has collaborated and stepped up to the challenge of managing the severe drought, and in the way we worked with Ofwat to reframe successfully the licence arrangements that will allow a smooth transition to PR14, the next regulatory period.

"I would like to thank Water UK's Board and Council members for their commitment and support, and thank Pamela and the Water UK executive team for their help and support throughout my time as chairman."

Commenting on his new role, Sir David said:

"I am delighted to be stepping into this role at such an important time for the water industry. The day-to-day priority of providing world-leading water quality and wastewater services and the highest quality customer service is underpinned by the industry's value to the growing UK economy. We help attract multi-billion pounds of investment, create and secure jobs, and support business growth, house-building and tourism."Peter hands over a Water UK in extremely good shape, with strong collaboration across the industry as well as with government and regulators. I inherit a strong and highly effective executive team led by Pamela Taylor, and I look forward to getting to grips with all the key issues, and to ensuring that Water UK is an influential and leading voice in all the debates about the future of the industry and the central role it has in the future of the UK economy."

Sir David joins Water UK with immediate effect following the Council's endorsement of the Water UK Board's recommendation on Friday, 20 September 2013).

Sir David Rowlands is the former Permanent Secretary for the Department for Transport. He is currently chairman of Angel Trains Ltd and Semperian PPP Investment Partners. He has previously chaired Gatwick Airport Ltd and High Speed Two. He is a Governor of Anglia Ruskin University.

Source: Water UK