Scottish Water CEO Douglas Millican is to step down next year after 10 years in the role and 20 years on the publicly owned organisation’s board and executive leadership team.

Millican will continue to lead Scottish Water while his successor is appointed and to enable a smooth transition to a new CEO.

The organisation employs over 4,000 people and is one of Scotland biggest infrastructure investors, investing more than £700 million annually on water and waste water services.

Millican said: “It’s an immense privilege to lead Scottish Water, playing a key role for 20 years in the transformation of an organisation that is vital to the health and wellbeing of people, communities, business and the environment across Scotland.

“I am proud of all that we have achieved and the consistent recognition in recent years of our leading levels of performance.

“I am very grateful for the dedicated commitment of our people across Scotland who have continued to deliver exceptional service throughout the pandemic and under frequently challenging weather conditions …

“After careful consideration, I have decided to announce my intention to step-down so that a new chief executive can be appointed who will lead Scottish Water through the extensive preparation needed for the next regulatory period starting in 2027.

“Over the next year, my priority is to lead Scottish Water well, serving our customers while transforming again to meet our future challenges.

“I look forward to working with the board and executive leadership team to achieve this and ensure, in due course, a smooth transition to my successor.”