United Utilities Group PLC announces that after seven years on the Board, Paulette Rowe, independent non-executive director and chair of the ESG Committee will not seek reappointment at the AGM on 19 July 2024 following her move overseas to take up an executive role, and that Clare Hayward has been appointed as an independent non-executive director with effect from 16 April 2024. On joining the Board, Clare will be appointed as a member of the Nomination Committee and the ESG Committee. Clare has played an active role in the economy across northern England, having chaired the NP11 group of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) since June 2023 and the Cheshire and Warrington LEP since 2020, having been a member of its board since 2015.

Through the LEPs, the public and private sectors and Government have been working together to drive prosperity and improve lives. She has strong links with local and central Government. Her background is in strategy consulting and she was a co-founder of Cirrus, a leadership and talent consultancy, sold to Accenture in 2021.

Clare will be appointed as a non-executive director of United Utilities Water Limited with effect from 16 April 2024. On stepping down on 19 July 2024, Paulette will be succeeded by Liam Butterworth as chair of the ESG Committee.