United Utilities appoints new financial officer

UNITED Utilities has appointed Russ Houlden to its board as chief financial officer.

Mr Houlden will join the Warrington-based FTSE 100-listed company when he steps down from his current role at Telecom New Zealand.

His start date is yet to be finalised but is expected to be this autumn.

The 51-year-old father-of-two has held a number of senior financial positions both in Britain and internationally.

Prior to joining Telecom New Zealand in 2008, he worked as finance director at global law firm Lovells for six years following three years at British Telecom.

He had previously spent 19 years at pharmaceuticals giant ICI.

Mr Houlden said: “I am excited to be leaving one great company and joining another great company right at the start of its new five year investment contract, to work alongside Philip and his team.

“I am inheriting a strong balance sheet and a company that is well positioned for the 2010-15 regulatory period.”
 
Philip Green, chief executive of United Utilities, said: “I am delighted that Russ has agreed to join United Utilities.

“His combination of experience within finance and treasury will prove invaluable to the company, along with his extensive experience of operating in a regulatory environment and managing large capital expenditure programmes.

“I welcome him to our board and very much look forward to working with him.”