Five out of six top jobs at FTSE water firms to be held by women

Louise Beardmore appointed chief executive at United Utilities, joining female chairs and CEOs of Pennon and Severn Trent

All but one of the top jobs at the UK's FTSE-listed water companies will be held by women, after the promotion of Louise Beardmore to chief executive at United Utilities.

Beardmore, currently customer service and people director at United Utilities, will succeed Steve Mogford at the top of the FTSE 100 firm. Mogford has spent 12 years leading the company, which services customers in the north-west of England, and plans to step down and retire from the board in early 2023.