South East Water has strengthened its Executive Team with two senior appointments as the company works to put customer voice, community engagement and transparency at the centre of its transformation programme.
South East Water has appointed Katy Ringsdore as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Kerri Ricketts as Customer Services Director. The company said the appointments reflect its commitment to improving how it listens, communicates and responds to customers and communities.
The move comes during a period of heightened scrutiny across the UK water sector, with utilities under pressure to improve performance, strengthen resilience and rebuild public confidence.
Customer Voice To Shape Transformation
Ringsdore joins South East Water from Pennon Group, where she was Group Director of External Communications across its water businesses, including South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and SES Water.
A former broadcast journalist, Ringsdore brings experience in reputation management, stakeholder engagement and communications in regulated environments. In her new role, she will lead South East Water’s corporate affairs strategy, bringing communications, stakeholder engagement and reputation management together.
Ricketts has moved from a senior customer excellence role at the UK’s largest rail operator into the position of Customer Services Director. She will lead frontline customer operations, with a focus on using customer insight to improve service delivery and inform business strategy.
“Our customers and communities need to see a different South East Water – one that listens, communicates openly, and puts customer experience at the centre of everything we do,” said John Halsall, Chief Executive Officer of South East Water.
Trust, Transparency And Service
Halsall said the appointments come at a pivotal moment for the business, as it seeks to improve performance and strengthen how customer needs are reflected across operations.
“We know trust will not be rebuilt through words alone; it requires better performance, operational transparency, and a relentless focus on service,” Halsall said.
South East Water said Ringsdore’s role will help ensure external insight shapes strategic decision-making, while Ricketts will act as a dedicated customer champion within the business.
The company serves around 2.4 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Its wider transformation programme is focused on improving operational performance, strengthening network resilience and improving outcomes for customers.
Leadership Focus On Communities
Ringsdore said water companies must show they are listening to the communities they serve.
“There has never been a more important time for water companies to listen to the communities they serve and demonstrate through their actions that they understand customer expectations,” said Katy Ringsdore.
She added that rebuilding trust must run through every decision the organisation makes, with communities given a stronger voice in conversations about progress and areas still needing improvement.
Ricketts said her priority will be representing customers within the executive team and ensuring service improvements reflect what matters most to them.
“My priority is to be the voice of our 2.4 million customers within the executive team – ensuring we listen to our customers, deliver improvements in what matters most to them and consistently deliver the high standard of customer service our communities deserve,” said Kerri Ricketts.
Katy Ringsdore will formally take up her role on the Executive Team in September 2026. Kerri Ricketts joined South East Water in July 2026.
More information is available from South East Water’s newsroom.
FAQs
Who has South East Water appointed?
South East Water has appointed Katy Ringsdore as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Kerri Ricketts as Customer Services Director.
When do the new appointments take effect?
Katy Ringsdore will formally join the Executive Team in September 2026, while Kerri Ricketts took up her role in July 2026.
What will Katy Ringsdore do at South East Water?
She will lead corporate affairs, including communications, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
What will Kerri Ricketts do at South East Water?
She will lead customer services and act as the dedicated voice of the customer within the business.
Why has South East Water made these appointments?
The appointments are part of South East Water’s wider transformation programme, focused on improving service, rebuilding trust and strengthening engagement with customers and communities.
