Severn Trent Plc announces James Jesic as next CEO, as Liv Garfield steps down

Liv Garfield, one of the UK’s most prominent business leaders and the longest-serving female chief executive in the FTSE 100, is preparing to step aside after more than a decade at the helm of Severn Trent.

The water and wastewater giant confirmed that Garfield will leave the top job at the end of December, concluding an 11-year tenure that has reshaped the company’s operational and environmental performance.

The board has chosen internal candidate James Jesic—currently the firm’s capital and commercial services director and managing director of Hafren Dyfrdwy—to take over as chief executive. Garfield will remain with the group until the end of March 2025 to ensure a seamless transition.

Garfield’s departure was announced alongside Severn Trent’s half-year figures, which revealed a 60% increase in pre-tax profits, reaching £307.8m for the six months to 30 September. Her final year in charge also marks the start of the company’s £15bn investment programme for the upcoming regulatory period—a plan rated “Outstanding” by Ofwat and expected to enable unprecedented upgrades across the Midlands’ water and wastewater networks. Severn Trent has also retained the Environment Agency’s top 4-star environmental performance rating for the sixth consecutive year.

Board Tribute

Christine Hodgson, Chair of Severn Trent, praised Garfield’s influence on the organisation:

“Liv has delivered 11 years of exceptional leadership. Her relentless focus on performance has helped transform Severn Trent into a recognised leader in the sector. She hands over a company in excellent financial and operational health, supported by a strong culture and a clear sense of purpose. Liv is an extraordinary talent whose impact will remain embedded in the business for many years.”

Hodgson said Jesic’s appointment followed an extensive selection process, describing him as a “home-grown leader” with deep operational experience and a strong connection to the region and its communities.

Garfield Reflects on Her Tenure

Garfield said leading the company had been “a true privilege.”

“I love this business and the people who make it what it is. I’m immensely proud of the passionate and dedicated team who have helped us become one of the sector’s top performers. With the largest investment programme in our history now under way, this is the right moment for a fresh chapter. James is absolutely the right person to take Severn Trent forward.”

Incoming CEO Looks Ahead

Jesic, who has risen through the ranks at Severn Trent, said becoming CEO is “an absolute honour.”

“I’ve worked across many areas of the organisation, and I’ve always been a Severn Trent customer myself. Every day I see the commitment our teams bring to serving our region, and I’m excited to lead the company into its next phase. Our focus will be on delivering for customers, investing in the Midlands and Wales, and providing long-term value for all our stakeholders.”