Glas Cymru, the not-for-profit company which owns Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, has announced the appointment of Sir James Bevan as a Non-Executive Director to its Board.
Sir James brings a significant breadth of expertise to support Welsh Water’s delivery of service improvements and its largest ever investment programme over 2025-2030.
Sir James Bevan has extensive experience in government relations, leadership, operational delivery, regulation, environmental protection and climate change. After a diplomatic career during which he served in Africa, Europe, the United States and India, and as the Chief Operating Officer of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, he was the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency from 2015 to 2023. During this time, he led its work to protect the environment, prevent pollution, reduce the risks of flooding and drought, and tackle the causes and effects of climate change.
He will join three new Non-Executive Directors, Darren James, Darren Pope and Alison Wilcox who joined the Board on January 1st 2025.
Following the appointment, Welsh Water Chair Jane Hanson, said:
“I am thrilled to welcome Sir James Bevan to the Dŵr Cymru Board. His wealth of experience will be a huge asset to the company as we deliver our business plan and focus on performance improvement over the next five years.
“It is a challenging time for the sector and this appointment will ensure the Board is ideally placed to drive the company’s commitment to operational improvement, asset resilience and customer service excellence.
“Our ambitious plans for our largest-ever £4bn investment programme will deliver significant benefits for the communities we serve.”
Sir James Bevan said:
“I’m delighted to join the Board of Welsh Water as the company prepares for a step change in investment levels between now and 2030.
“It’s a privilege to join a company that is committed to improving its performance, delivering for the environment and ensuring the highest levels of service to customers.
“There are a number of challenges that face the water industry, from the climate crisis to increasing customer demand and tougher regulation. As a Board we will ensure the company is best placed to face these challenges and opportunities, so that we can deliver better for all the people and places we serve.”
