Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed the appointment of Roch Cheroux, a leader with decades of global water industry experience, as its new Chief Executive.

Roch has held senior operational and leadership roles across Europe, Asia and Australia and was Chief Executive at Sydney Water, Australia’s largest water utility between 2019 and March 2025. With over three decades of experience in the water industry, he is widely respected for his focus on sustainability, customer service, and operational excellence.

His appointment comes at a critical time for Welsh Water as the sector responds to growing public expectations, environmental pressures, and regulatory reform.

During his time at Sydney Water, Roch oversaw a four-and-a-half-fold increase in capital investment; customer complaints dropped significantly; and last year Sydney Water was named the most trusted utility company in Australia.

Roch succeeds Peter Perry, who has served as Chief Executive of Welsh Water since 2020. Having worked in the water industry for over 45 years, Peter Perry announced in April this year that he plans to retire in Spring 2026.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water serves over three million people across Wales, Herefordshire, and parts of Deeside. Roch will join the not-for-profit water company on October 6 and formally take on the role of Chief Executive in the New Year. Pete Perry will retire in spring 2026.

Roch said: “It is a real privilege to be joining Dwr Cymru – a company with a clear public purpose and a unique not-for-profit model that puts customers and communities first. Its unique model was a significant factor in my decision to move to Welsh Water.”

“The far-reaching reforms proposed by the Independent Water Commission together with Dŵr Cymru’s ambitious investment programme for the next five years means it’s an exciting time to join the company. I’m looking forward to working with the team, Governments, regulators and our customers, to deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers, communities and the environment.”

Glas Cymru Chair Jane Hanson CBE paid tribute to Peter Perry, under whose guidance Dŵr Cymru has remained resilient through the COVID-19 pandemic, and said of Roch:

“His experience will be invaluable as we navigate significant change both in terms of the reform of the water sector, but also by working closely with the Board to ensure a laser-like focus on performance improvement and that every penny of our customers’ bills is used for greatest impact.

Commenting on the new appointment, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies said he wished the new Welsh Water boss well, but called for his salary to be “sensible” in the light of rising bills and poor performance. He gave the figure of £892k as the previous Chief Executive’s total remuneration for 2021.

In response, a spokesperson for Dŵr Cymru said: “It is important to note the CEO’s total remuneration for the past two years has been considerably less than the 2021 figure that is being quoted, for 2023/4 it was £489k and 2024/25 it was £501k.”