Everything you need to know about new Yorkshire Water boss Nicola Medalova
She takes over as CEO in the new year
Yorkshire Water’s new boss is someone who already knows the company intimately as a non-executive director.
Nicola Medalova joins from Monday as CEO designate, before taking over full time in the new year.
Like the outgoing Nicola Shaw, she arrives from National Grid, where she was chief of staff, however she has also been a non-executive director at Yorkshire Water for the last year.
Chairman Jon Lewis said: “We are delighted that Nicola Medalova will become our next Chief Executive.
“She is an accomplished and inspiring leader, with deep operational experience and a strong track record of delivering major capital programmes in complex environments.
“She is passionate about delivering for customers and brings a strong understanding of the environmental responsibilities that sit at the heart of Yorkshire Water’s role.
“Importantly, she also knows Yorkshire Water well from her time as a non-executive director on the board.
“The board believes she is the right person to lead the company through its next phase, improving service for customers, reducing pollution and delivering the investment needed to modernise Yorkshire’s water network.”
Ms Medalova said her first priority is to “listen and learn”.
“I am delighted to be joining Yorkshire Water and grateful to the Board for the opportunity to lead the business through its next chapter,” she said.
“Yorkshire Water faces huge challenges but also great opportunities for continued improvement and I look forward to working with Nicola Shaw, the leadership team and colleagues across the business as I get up to speed.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know Yorkshire Water, its people and the communities it serves.
“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.”
Who is Nicola Medalova?
Nicola has held senior roles in the infrastructure and utilities sectors, with experience spanning operations, strategy, regulation, major investment programmes and environmental management.
She spent much of her executive career at National Grid, where her most recent role was Chief of Staff to the Group CEO. She was involved in the appointment and integration of a new chief executive and a review of the group's strategy, working with senior leaders and the board.
Previously, she was Chief Operating Officer of National Grid New England, overseeing a workforce of 4,000 across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec. Her responsibilities included day-to-day operations, customer services, regulation, safety and environmental performance. During her time in the role, the business underwent an operational turnaround and prepared for a five-year investment programme worth $13bn.
Her experience also includes major infrastructure projects, asset management, customer operations and regulatory policy.
Nicola has previously served as a non-executive director of Yorkshire Water, giving her experience of the water industry at board level.
She began her career in environmental protection regulation with Moray Council, working alongside the Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on issues including pollution control, contaminated land, watercourses and flood risk.
She is a Chartered Environmental Health Officer and a Registered Specialist in Land Condition.