New Managing Director Appointed

5th February 2010 

ROGER Harrington has been appointed Managing Director of Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water (BWHW).

He succeeds Tony Cooke who is to relinquish his executive duties in April after heading the water company for nearly 19 years.

Mr Harrington, a chartered civil engineer, is currently BWHW’s Technical Director, responsible for the company’s operational and engineering strategy.

Born in Poole and educated in Wimborne, he has more than 30 years’ experience in the engineering, operations and general management of water services.

Mr Harrington said: “I am extremely pleased to be offered the chance to take over the reins of Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water.

“Tony Cooke is a hard act to follow but I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide an excellent water supply, efficiently and at good value for money for customers in this essential service.”

Mr Cooke joined the company as General Manager in May 1991 and was appointed Managing Director in October the following year.

He is one of the longest serving chief executives in the water industry and has led BWHW through significant change.

His accomplishments at BWHW have included bringing together and combining the management of the two former companies – Bournemouth and District Water & West Hampshire Water in the 1990s – as well as continuously improving efficiency. The company is one of the most efficient in the sector.

Under his leadership BWHW has seen significant improvements in water supply and customer service. It is currently ranked as the top performing water company for service delivery in England & Wales by industry regulator, Ofwat.

Jim McGown, BWHW’s Chairman, said: “Tony has done an outstanding job. He has achieved a great deal for which the Board is grateful and now stands down with our warmest thanks and best wishes for the future. I am confident that Roger will continue to drive the company forward to ensure that our customers remain at the forefront of everything we do.”

Tony was President of the Institute of Water 2003 – 2004 and we wish him well in his retirement.