Welcome to Leaders in Focus, featuring exclusive conversations with prominent figures shaping industries and driving positive change. In this episode, we welcome David Bird, Retail Director at Thames Water. David has been a key player in one of the UK's biggest corporate turnarounds since he took on the role in 2022. With a background in leading large-scale transformations across healthcare, telecoms, and transport, David brings a wealth of experience to Thames Water.

During our conversation, David shared some fascinating insights into the cultural changes happening at Thames Water. He talked about the importance of operational efficiency, reducing customer complaints, and building trust within the organisation through open and honest communication. Despite facing intense scrutiny and dealing with legacy issues, David's leadership has led to significant progress in areas like reducing leakage and improving service delivery.

David also touched on his strategies for retaining and attracting talent in a high-pressure environment. He emphasised the purpose-driven mission of Thames Water, which serves 16 million customers, and the need for investment in digital infrastructure. He outlined their ambitious five-year regulatory plan designed to prepare the organisation for future environmental and population challenges.

In conversation with Boyden’s Nick Robeson, David reflected on maintaining personal resilience, the importance of a structured turnaround strategy, and how a strong sense of purpose can inspire teams to achieve great results. Join us for this compelling dialogue as we explore David’s journey of leadership, innovation, and transformation at Thames Water.