Christine Hodgson roped in as next chair of Severn Trent

Severn Trent announced on Wednesday that Christine Hodgson has been appointed as its next chair.

The FTSE 100 water utility said she would join the board as an independent non-executive director from 1 January, and would succeed Andrew Duff as chair in April.

Hodgson had also been appointed as a member of the corporate responsibility, nominations and remuneration committees, and would become chair of the nominations committee upon Andrew Duff's retirement.

She was also appointed to the board of Severn Trent Water Limited, and would become chair of that company in April, following Duff's retirement from the boards of both Severn Trent Plc and Severn Trent Water Limited.

The Severn Trent board said Hodgson would bring “extensive” board and governance experience to the company, as well as a “deep understanding” of business, finance and technology leadership.

It described her as a “committed advocate” of the need for companies to serve all of their stakeholders effectively, and deliver their social purpose.

Hodgson is currently the executive chair of Capgemini UK and the senior independent director of Standard Chartered, and was previously an independent non-executive director of Ladbrokes Coral Group until 2017.

She joined technology and professional services group Capgemini in 1997, and built her career in a “variety of roles”, the Severn Trent directors said, including chief financial officer for Capgemini UK and for the global outsourcing business, chief executive officer of technology services north west Europe, and the global head of corporate social responsibility.

On assuming the chair of Severn Trent, Hodgson would retire from her roles at Capgemini.

“I am delighted that Christine will be joining the company as our new chair,” said Severn Trent’s senior independent director Kevin Beeston, who led the planned succession process.

“I believe that she brings the right mix of board and business skills and experience, as well as a real understanding of our culture and commitment to serve all of our stakeholders well.

“I would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Andy Duff for his outstanding leadership of the company on behalf of our stakeholders and board over the past nine years and we wish him the very best for the future.”

Christine Hodgson added that she was “very pleased” to have been appointed as a director and chair-designate of Severn Trent.

“I look forward to working with the board, the executive team and our stakeholders on the opportunities ahead.”

Finally, outgoing chair Andy Duff described Severn Trent as a “great company” that he had been “incredibly proud” to work for.

“As we prepare to implement our new AMP7 business plan, following selection as one of only three companies awarded Fast Track status by Ofwat, I wish Christine every success as she sets out to lead Severn Trent into its next important phase.”

As at 0852 GMT, shares in Severn Trent were down 0.31% at 2,227p.