Thames Water’s finance lead stands down

Thames Water’s chief financial officer Alastair Cochran has stepped down, including from his positions on the Thames board and executive. Director of group finance Stuart Thom will act as interim CFO until longer-term arrangements are put in place.

Alongside strategy and external affairs director Cathryn Ross, Cochran held the fort as interim co-chief executive before current CEO Chris Weston was appointed.

Weston said: “Since joining Thames Water in September 2021, Al has overseen significant progress within the company. He has led on the development of our most ambitious business plan ever, alongside work to put the business on a sound financial footing for the future, enabling us to better deliver for customers and the environment. Al was instrumental in securing £3bn of new liquidity to support the business through its longer-term equity raise process. His technical capability, relationships with stakeholders and interest groups and personal tenacity and resilience has been pivotal to the company delivering one of the largest restructuring activities in UK corporate history. I would like to thank him for the dedication he has shown during his tenure and wish him and his family the very best for the future.”