Yorkshire Water's chief executive is to step down, just 24 hours after the company received the lowest possible environmental rating.
Nicola Shaw, who has led the business since 2022, will be replaced by Nicola Medalova on 1st January 2027.
The announcement comes after the Environment Agency awarded Yorkshire Water one star out of four on Thursday, classifying it as a “poorly performing company”.
The regulator said the company was responsible for 260 pollution incidents in 2025 – its highest total since 2011.
Ms Medalova, a chartered environmental health officer who previously worked for National Grid, will join as CEO Designate on Monday 2nd November.
She previously served as a Non-Executive Director on Yorkshire Water’s board and will work alongside Ms Shaw during a handover period.
Ms Shaw said:
“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.”
Ms Shaw has faced criticism over previously undisclosed shareholder-funded payments totalling £1.3million between 2023 and 2025.
She acknowledged last December that a lack of transparency over the payments had been a “mistake”, while saying the amounts were not hers to decide.
Yorkshire Water Chair Jon Lewis thanked Ms Shaw for her contribution, saying the company had secured £500million of new shareholder equity under her leadership, with a further £600million committed.
He said the funding had enabled the company to begin the largest investment programme in its history.
Ms Medalova said:
“My immediate priority will be to listen and learn, while maintaining a relentless focus on delivery.
"Yorkshire Water will ultimately be judged by what it delivers for customers, communities and the environment, and I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape its future.”
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