United Utilities announces new CFO

United Utilities Group PLC today announces that Russ Houlden is to be appointed to the Board as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Russ Houlden, age 51, has held a number of senior financial positions both in the UK and internationally and is currently Chief Financial Officer at Telecom New Zealand which he joined in 2008.  Prior to that, from 2002-2008, he was based in London as Finance Director at global law firm Lovells, following three years at British Telecom, which he joined from ICI where he spent 19 years.

Russ is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.  He studied Management Science at the University of Warwick.

His starting date is yet to be determined but is expected to be in the autumn of 2010.

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.”

Russ 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.”