Severn Trent Plc (SVT) has announced that Chief Financial Officer Helen Miles is stepping down from her role as CFO and Executive Director to become Chief Financial Officer of housebuilder Vistry Plc. Miles, who has served Severn Trent for 12 years, will remain in post throughout her 12-month notice period to support an orderly handover. The FTSE-listed water and waste company has confirmed it is commencing a formal search process to identify her successor. The announcement was made pursuant to UK Listing Rules 6.4.6R and 6.4.7R.

Key Points

  • Severn Trent Plc (SVT) — regulated UK water and sewerage utility serving the Midlands and mid-Wales
  • CFO Helen Miles has resigned to become Chief Financial Officer of Vistry Plc
  • Miles will serve her full 12-month notice period to ensure a smooth leadership transition
  • Investors should watch for updates on the formal successor search process

Helen Miles Resigns as Severn Trent CFO After 12-Year Tenure

Severn Trent confirmed on 27 October 2026 that Helen Miles has notified the Board of her intention to leave the business. Miles joined Severn Trent 12 years ago and has served as both CFO and Executive Director during her time at the regulated water and sewerage utility. Her departure marks a significant leadership change at a company that operates essential water and waste services across the Midlands and mid-Wales. The announcement was made in compliance with UK Listing Rules, reflecting Miles's status as a key board-level figure at the listed company.

Miles Set to Take CFO Role at Housebuilder Vistry Plc

The announcement states that Helen Miles is leaving Severn Trent to take up the position of Chief Financial Officer at Vistry Plc, the UK housebuilding group. The move represents a cross-sector transition from regulated utilities into residential property development. Miles's departure to a named employer removes uncertainty over her immediate plans. The 12-month notice period means her formal start date at Vistry is not imminent, and Severn Trent will have a structured window in which to manage the handover of financial leadership responsibilities and maintain continuity across its capital investment activities.

Severn Trent Begins Formal Search for New Chief Financial Officer

The Board has confirmed it is commencing a formal search process to identify a successor to Miles. No timeline for the appointment has been disclosed in the announcement, nor has any shortlist or preferred candidate been indicated. Severn Trent's CEO James Jesic credited Miles with a "significant contribution" during her 12 years at the business, while also reaffirming the company's focus on delivering what he described as one of the sector's most ambitious capital investment programmes for customers, communities, and the environment. Investors may be watching for further updates on the succession process.

Transition Period Covers Severn Trent's Ongoing Capital Investment Programme

Miles confirmed she looks forward to supporting a smooth transition "over the coming year," aligning with her 12-month notice commitment. Severn Trent is currently engaged in a substantial capital investment programme under the water industry's regulatory framework, making CFO continuity particularly relevant to investors monitoring the company's financial planning and regulatory delivery. The company did not disclose the value of current capital expenditure commitments in the announcement. Further updates on the leadership transition are expected to be provided by the company in due course.