SJW Group and Connecticut Water Service, Inc. announced that both companies' boards of directors have unanimously approved a definitive agreement to combine through a merger of equals. Upon closing of the transaction, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of 12 directors, with seven directors appointed by SJW Group and five directors, including the lead independent director, appointed by Connecticut Water. Eric W. Thornburg will serve as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly-merged company.

David C. Benoit will serve as President, New England Region, overseeing the New England operations, including Connecticut Water. James Lynch will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the newly combined company, Kristen Johnson will serve as Chief Human Resource Officer, Suzy Papazian will serve as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Andrew Walters will serve as Chief Administrative Officer and Maureen Westbrook will serve as Senior Vice President of External Affairs.