Yorkshire Water CEO Nicola Shaw steps down after poor rating

Summarised from 5 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 15:41 · Archive

Yorkshire Water chief executive Nicola Shaw is stepping down at the end of 2026 after the company received a one-star environmental rating from regulators.

Nicola Shaw is stepping down as chief executive of Yorkshire Water at the end of 2026 after four and a half years leading the company. Nicola Medalova has been appointed as chief executive designate and will take over on 1 January 2027. Medalova will join the company on 2 November and work alongside Shaw during a structured handover period to ensure a smooth transition.

The announcement comes days after water regulators published a joint report rating Yorkshire Water's environmental performance as one star out of four, classed as 'poor'. This was the lowest rating available. The report found that environmental performance across the sector had fallen to its lowest level on record, with Yorkshire Water among four companies to receive a one-star rating. Eight of England's nine water companies were rated either 'poor' or 'requiring improvement', with only Severn Trent achieving the highest rating.

The report documented 2,666 pollution incidents across England during 2025, with Yorkshire Water responsible for 260 of these—the highest amount since 2011, representing a more than 70 per cent rise compared to the previous year. Regulators warned that permit breaches and pollution incidents remain a significant concern across the sector.

Chairman Jon Lewis praised Shaw's contribution during her tenure, saying the company had secured £500 million in new shareholder equity under her leadership, with a further £600 million committed. He said these funds were helping to support what Yorkshire Water describes as the largest investment programme in its history and that Shaw leaves the business with 'strong foundations for future investment and improvement'.

Shaw said in a statement: 'It has been a privilege to lead Yorkshire Water and serve the people of Yorkshire. Although there remains a huge amount of work to do, I am extremely proud of what our colleagues have achieved, putting the business on a stronger footing for delivery across all aspects of its work.' She added that the timing 'now feels like the right time to begin an orderly transition to the company's next chapter'.

Medalova joins from National Grid, where she most recently served as chief of staff to the group chief executive. Lewis described her as 'an accomplished leader with significant experience delivering major infrastructure projects and improving customer services in complex organisations'.

MP for Keighley and Ilkley Robbie Moore welcomed the resignation, saying it 'could not have come quick enough'. He noted that constituents had seen water bills rise by over 35 per cent since April 2025 and complained of the company's 'terrible communication with its customers', 'mismanagement of roadworks' and 'shoddy workmanship'. Moore said he had requested an urgent meeting with Medalova to understand how she plans to improve the company's performance.

How it is being reported

• Yorkshire Water to end controversial off-shore payments with new CEOThe outgoing CEO Nicola Shaw was paid £660,000 in each of the last three financial years by Yorkshire Water’s off-shore parent company Kelda Holdings.Yorkshire Post · 30 Oct, 15:27
• 'Could not have come quick enough': MP reacts as Yorkshire Water chief quitsMP for Keighley and Ilkley Robbie Moore has welcomed the resignation of Yorkshire Water chief executive Nicola Shaw saying it "could not have come quick enough".Wharfedale Observer · 30 Oct, 13:47
• Yorkshire Water boss announces she is quitting - just hours after damning rating from Environment AgencyYorkshire Water given lowest rating - but Nicola Shaw says it has been a privilege to lead the firmHuddersfield Examiner · 30 Oct, 09:32
• Chief executive steps down after Yorkshire Water handed worst national ratingThe announcement comes as Yorkshire Water faces increased scrutiny over its environmental performance.Wharfedale Observer · 30 Oct, 09:24
• Yorkshire Water CEO steps down: Controversies over pay and performance attracted criticism from MPsDuring her tenure as Yorkshire Water CEO, Nicola Shaw faced plenty of controversy about the firm's performance.Yorkshire Post · 30 Oct, 09:22
• Yorkshire Water boss to step down after company's environmental rating downgradedHer successor has been announcedYorkshire Evening Post · 30 Oct, 08:50
• Yorkshire Water chief steps down after firm handed worst national rating by watchdogsYorkshire Water CEO Nicola Shaw will step down after a one-star environmental rating, with Nicola Medalova taking over on January 1, 2027; bonuses blocked.Telegraph & Argus · 30 Oct, 08:20
• Yorkshire Water CEO Nicola Shaw to step down after four and a half years in chargeYorkshire Water has announced that Nicola Shaw has decided to step down as chief executive following four and a half years leading the business.Yorkshire Post · 30 Oct, 07:44

In this story: Nicola Shaw · Nicola Medalova · Yorkshire Water · Jon Lewis · Robbie Moore · National Grid · Environment Agency · Severn Trent

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