Yorkshire Water boss resigns after firm downgraded
Nicola Shaw will be replaced by Nicola Medalova on 1 January after the firm received a one-star rating from the Environment Agency.
Quick Look
Yorkshire Water CEO Nicola Shaw is stepping down on 1 January, one day after the Environment Agency gave the company a one-star environmental rating following 260 pollution incidents in 2025.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Yorkshire Water received a one-star rating from the Environment Agency, the lowest possible, following 260 pollution incidents in 2025.
Yorkshire Water's chief executive has announced she is to step down, just 24 hours after the company was given the lowest possible environmental rating by the Environment Agency.
Nicola Shaw, who has led the firm since 2022, will leave the role on 1 January to be replaced by Nicola Medalova, a chartered environmental health officer who previously worked for the National Grid.
In a statement on Friday, Shaw said it had been a "privilege" to lead the company but that it was "the right time" to leave her post.
Shaw has faced criticism in recent years, including for taking £1.3m in undisclosed payments between 2023 and 2025, while the company has come under scrutiny for its performance.
On Thursday, the Environment Agency gave the firm one star out of four - its lowest possible rating - meaning Yorkshire Water was classed as a "poorly performing company".
The EA said Yorkshire Water was responsible for 260 pollution incidents in 2025, which was its highest total since 2011.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Nicola Medalova will assume the CEO role on 1 January.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the incoming CEO implement specific changes to address pollution?
- What are the implications of the undisclosed payments mentioned?
