THAMES Water CEO Sarah Bentley resigned her position on June 27, 2023.
But who is she and why did she resign?
Who is Sarah Bentley?
Sarah Bentley was the chief executive of Thames Water from 2020 - 2023.
She studied Management Science with Computing at the University of Kent.
After her studies, she has worked as vice president, CEO and executive director for companies such as Lloyds Banking Group, Datapoint, BT Global Services and Severn Trent Water.
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Bentley joined Thames Water in September 2020.
Why did she resign as CEO of Thames Water?
Thames Water and Bentley did not comment on the reason why she left the company.
Chairman Ian Marchant said on June 27, 2023: “I want to thank Sarah for everything she has done since joining the company in 2020, building a first class executive team and leading the first phase of the turnaround of the company.
“On behalf of everyone at Thames, the board wishes her every success for the future.”
Bentley said: “It has been an honour to take on such a significant challenge, and a privilege to serve Thames Water’s dedicated and inspirational colleagues.
“The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.
“I wish everyone involved in the turnaround the very best.”
In May 2023 the company said in a statement that "extraordinary energy costs" and "two severe weather events" had affected customer service and environmental performance in 2022-23.
Thames Water was £14bn in debt in March 2023 and hired investment bank Rothschild and law firm Slaughter&May to help the company explore options.
Bentley Gave up her bonus due to the poor performance in 2022-23.
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As of June 28, 2023, the government is drawing up a contingency plan for a possible collapse of Thames Water.
Defra minister Rebecca Pow said in a press conference on June 28, 2023, that customers of Thames Water should be assured that water supplies and waste water services will continue.
Who will replace Sarah Bentley?
Chief finance officer Alistair Cochran and former Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross will take over as interim co-chief executives until a replacement is found.
However Thames Water said that Bentley will continue to support the interim replacement until a new CEO will be appointed.