WSP has appointed Gavin Stonard as Managing Director of its Water business in the UK & Ireland, bringing more than 25 years of sector experience as utilities prepare to deliver major AMP8 investment programmes.
Stonard joins WSP from Costain, where he held senior positions across the water sector and worked on major programmes, collaborative delivery models and innovation-led approaches to capital delivery.
His background spans consultancy, construction and client-side roles across the UK water industry.
Gavin Stonard joins WSP water leadership team
As Managing Director for Water, Gavin Stonard will lead WSP’s UK & Ireland water business as the sector moves through the current AMP8 investment period.
The appointment comes as water companies increase spending on infrastructure resilience, environmental performance, asset optimisation and long-term service improvements.
WSP provides engineering and advisory services across water resources, drinking water, wastewater, flood risk, asset management and infrastructure planning.
More than 25 years of UK water sector experience
Stonard brings more than 25 years of experience across consultancy, construction and client-side water roles.
Before joining WSP, he worked at Costain, where his recent roles included responsibility for water-sector frameworks and technical development.
His work included collaborative programmes involving major UK utilities and projects focused on improving capital delivery through technology and new working methods.
Darren Reed, Executive Managing Director for Transport & Infrastructure, WSP UK & Ireland, commented: “Gavin brings deep sector expertise, strong client relationships and a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. His experience across delivery, transformation and strategic growth will be invaluable as we continue to support our water clients through the next phase of investment and change.”
AMP8 investment shapes priorities for WSP water business
UK water companies are now delivering their AMP8 programmes, covering the 2025–2030 regulatory period and encompassing major investment in water and wastewater infrastructure.
WSP’s existing UK water activities include water-resource planning, wastewater engineering, asset management, infrastructure resilience and digital approaches to capital delivery.
The consultancy has also worked with utilities including Northern Ireland Water and Severn Trent on resilience, treatment and digital engineering initiatives.
Stonard points to partnerships and technical delivery
Gavin Stonard, Managing Director for Water, WSP UK & Ireland, added: “I’m delighted to be joining WSP at such an important moment for the water sector. The scale of investment ahead will require strong partnerships, technical excellence and new ways of working to deliver better outcomes for clients, communities and the environment. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across WSP to build on the strength of the Water business and support our clients through AMP8 and beyond.”
The appointment strengthens WSP’s senior water leadership as utilities progress investment programmes focused on network resilience, environmental performance and infrastructure delivery.
Source: WSP
