IoD South - Water – an industry perspective on the key issues we face?

Toby will speak for about 25 minutes on the key strategic issues facing Southern Water. This will include the challenges of investment and returns for a privately owned and financed water company, the additional pressures and expectations from consumers, Govt and other stakeholders, and specifically a sense of the impact of climate change on the water industry and how Southern Water are responding. 

Toby brings an interesting perspective as an ecologist who is an ex-Executive Director of the Environment Agency and now Southern Water’s first Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer. Toby will highlight what IoD members can do to be supportive of this critical infrastructure area as responsible business leaders. There will be time for a Q&A at the end.

Dr Toby Willison, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer

Toby joined Southern Water in November 2020. Toby has a PhD in ecology and has spent the majority of his career in environmental services. This has included international research, consultancy and policy making. Toby most recently lead operations at the Environment Agency. While at the EA Toby has driven transformation in crises management and response, capital delivery and asset management. As well as being a committed environmentalist Toby has lead the drive for a more diverse and inclusive workplace.