New challenge for leading environmentalist

20/10/2006

A leading environmentalist is to add his expertise to the running of Northumbrian Water Ltd.

Simon Lyster, 54, has been appointed as a non-executive director of the water company, which trades as Northumbrian Water in the north of England and as Essex & Suffolk Water in the south.

Simon, who now lives in Essex, has a PhD in international wildlife law and has experience in a range of conservation roles.

In 2003 he became chief executive of LEAD (Leadership for Environment and Development) an organisation which trains emerging leaders in different sectors of society, especially in the developing world, in both leadership and sustainable development.

Prior to this, Simon was director general of the Wildlife Trusts, one of the largest conservation organisations in the UK.

He is also a trustee of the World Land Trust, Conservation International (UK) and The Kilverstone Wildlife Charitable Trust. He is also a member of the International Council of Environmental Law and is on the Advisory Council to BBC Wildlife magazine.

Simon said: “I am very excited. The company is clearly serious about sustainable development. It is a very interesting time to join the water company – with hotter, drier summers predicted and big development pressures, especially in the south east.

“Meeting people’s needs for water, ensuring water is not wasted and protecting the environment represent a huge future challenge. But water is such a precious resource for people and the environment, it is a challenge that we must meet.”

John Devall, water and networks director at Essex & Suffolk Water said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to Essex & Suffolk Water.  He has a wealth of experience in a range of conservation roles and he will be able to add great value to our work.  

“We are proud of our work with environmental and community partnerships, and Simon will help us to build on this as we develop even more sustainable plans and strategies."

For further information or for an interview with Simon Lyster please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.