Chief Executive of Reading-based Thames Water to step down with immediate effect

The boss of Thames Water has stepped down with immediate effect weeks after being forced to give up her bonus over the company’s environmental performance.

The Reading-based company said that Sarah Bentley would leave the board on Tuesday, but will continue to support her interim replacement until a new full-time boss can be found.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the company’s environmental and customer performance suffered.

But even after giving up the bonus, the chief executive managed to double her pay, raking in £1.5 million.

At the time Gary Carter, a national officer at the GMB union, said that Ms Bentley’s plan to give up the bonus was “nothing more than a flimsy PR stunt”.

Chairman of the firm Ian Marchant said: "I want to thank Sarah for everything she has done since joining the company in 2020, building a first-class executive team and leading the first phase of the turnaround of the company.

"On behalf of everyone at Thames, the board wishes her every success for the future."

Ms Bentley said: "It has been an honour to take on such a significant challenge and a privilege to serve Thames Water's dedicated and inspirational colleagues.

"The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.

"I wish everyone involved in the turnaround the very best."

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