Ofwat appoints new chief executive

Ross is currently executive director of markets and economics at the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) and will take up her new role in October once she has completed the current rail regulatory review.

Ross is a regulatory economist who has also served with the Competition Commission and was previously at Ofwat. She was director of Markets and Economics at Ofwat between 2008 and 2011.

“Cathryn’s first priorities will include refocusing the future direction and management process of Ofwat.

Ofwat chairman Jonson Cox

On returning to Ofwat, Ross said: “I am looking forward to working with Ofwat’s board, staff and stakeholders to ensure the success of the current periodic review and the development of a new model for water regulation.”

Additionally, the Ofwat review board has also appointed Wendy Barnes chair of the audit committee and Martin Lawrence chair of the remuneration committee. The regulator also announced that Ofwat chairman Jonson Cox is to lead a nominations and governance committee.

Speaking about Ross’s appointment, Cox said: “Cathryn’s first priorities will include refocusing the future direction and management process of Ofwat. Her arrival as CEO will be welcome and timely.”