Breakfast Briefing with Chris Walters, Chief Executive, Ofwat
This breakfast briefing will examine the changing regulatory framework for the UK water sector, and what reform means for long-term investment, system resilience, and public confidence.
We are delighted to welcome Chris Walters, Chief Executive, Ofwat, for a special briefing in which we will explore the changing regulatory landscape for the UK water sector. As government develops its transition plan for the sector, investors, operators, and infrastructure leaders are seeking clarity on how reform can support delivery, unlock long-term investment, and strengthen public trust. This session will examine the direction of regulatory change and what it means for the relationship between regulators, government, and industry.
Join us on the day and you will:
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Gain insight into the direction of regulatory reform and the conditions needed to support sustained investment in water infrastructure.
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Explore how cross-sector collaboration between regulators, government, and industry can improve long-term system performance and public confidence.
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Understand the proactive steps organisations should consider as the sector's regulatory framework evolves.
Speaker
Chris Walters was appointed interim Chief Executive of Ofwat in August 2025. Chris joined Ofwat in June 2023 as Senior Director for the Price Review and became an Executive Member of Ofwat’s Board.
He led the development and delivery of the 2024 Price Review (PR24), which sets the price, service, and incentive package for water companies from 2025 to 2030. Chris brings extensive public sector leadership experience, with a strong background in economics and economic regulation.
Before joining Ofwat, Chris was Director of Pricing and Costing at NHS England, where he oversaw national policy and implementation on healthcare pricing. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), including serving as Chief Economist. He has also worked as a management consultant and academic.
Chris holds a PhD in econometrics from London Business School, and degrees in economics from the London School of Economics and the University of London.
When registering for this event you can choose whether you would prefer to attend in-person or virtually. Please note, in-person capacity is limited, and any members we are unable to accommodate face-to-face will be offered the opportunity to join virtually. The livestream will run from 08:30-09:30.
Please note all attendees must register in advance to attend WIG events.
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Event places are non-transferable, but colleagues are welcome to register via our website or email us at [email protected].