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CEO exits Yorkshire Water after lowest environmental score
30 Oct
Summary
- CEO Nicola Shaw leaves Yorkshire Water after four and a half years.
- Water supplier received the lowest possible environmental rating.
- Company had 335 pollution incidents in 2025, including 13 serious.
Yorkshire Water's Chief Executive, Nicola Shaw, announced her departure after four and a half years, effective immediately. The decision comes a day after the company received the lowest possible environmental rating from regulators, placing it in the 'poorly performing' category. This marks a significant downturn for the supplier serving over five million people.
In 2025, Yorkshire Water recorded 335 pollution incidents, including 13 serious ones, leading to a £1.2 million fine. The Environment Agency downgraded its environmental rating from two stars to one star, the lowest possible. This also means the company is ineligible for executive bonuses under new rules.
Nicola Medalova, formerly of National Grid, will join as chief executive-designate next week, assuming the role in January. Ms. Shaw stated that while much work remains, the business is on a stronger footing for its next chapter. Ms. Medalova pledged a relentless focus on improvement for customers, communities, and the environment.
