Ross-shire Engineering chief appointed chair of British Water

Ross-shire Engineering chief appointed chair of British Water

Stephen Slessor

Supply chain membership organisation British Water has appointed Stephen Slessor, chief executive of Ross-shire Engineering (RSE), as chair, succeeding Dr Mark Fletcher, director and global water business lead at Arup.

Mr Slessor brings extensive sector experience, spanning 25 years in engineering, digital construction approaches and strategic leadership.

He said: “I’m humbled to step into the role as chair of British Water as the water sector steps up to meet the most pressing challenges in the coming decades, whether that be related to climate, regulatory changes or skills development.



“The input and innovation of our growing membership is more critical than ever in delivering a more sustainable and resilient UK water ecosystem, and I will endeavour to champion the vital work of British Water at every turn.”

Mr Slessor has been chief executive of water technology company RSE, which specialises in modular solutions for water and wastewater treatment, since January 2024, overseeing a period of significant growth, with expansion initiatives across the UK and internationally.

British Water chief executive, Lila Thompson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen Slessor as chair of British Water. He brings deep industry expertise and a forward-thinking approach at a time when the water sector is undergoing significant transformation.

“Stephen’s passion for innovation and commitment to collaboration align strongly with the British Water mission of supporting a sustainable and high-performing water sector. I look forward to working with him as we continue to champion the voice of the supply chain and drive meaningful change across the industry.” 



Mr Slessor’s appointment comes at a critical time for UK water and aligns with British Water’s vision for a world-leading, outcome-focused sector. The trade body supports the work of its members through a portfolio of events, forums and focus groups. 

As chair, he will work closely with the British Water board to help grow the membership and build the resilience of the organisation, while holding the UK government to account to ensure its pledges on skills and opportunities in the water sector are realised for the supply chain as well as the water companies.

The appointment of Mr Slessor comes as sector absorbs the final report of the Independent Water Commission, which made 88 recommendations for water sector reform. The report supported British Water’s recommendations for longer term planning and coordination, along with a more stable, visible and integrated infrastructure pipeline.

The report also referred to the findings of British Water’s annual Water & Wastewater Company Performance survey, supply chain taskforce and cross-sector procurement working group.



Mr Slessor previously worked for construction company Galliford Try for 17 years, becoming managing director, and leading the merger of Galliford Try with NMCN in 2021, creating the largest contractor to the UK water sector. He has also previously held a position as non-executive director for British Water, in addition to roles on the advisory board of the Scottish Futures Trust and as president of the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors.

British Water has extended sincere thanks to Dr Fletcher as he steps down from his role as chair of British Water. Thompson said his leadership had brought invaluable insight and vision to British Water, underpinned by his extensive experience of the sector. British Water will continue to work with Fletcher in the wider water community.


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