CBI appoints new South West chair

Susan Davy has been appointed as the South West Chair of the UK’s largest business group, taking over from Andrew Livingston, CEO of Yeovil-based trade supplier, Screwfix, in January 2018.

Susan is Chief Financial Officer at Exeter-based Pennon Group Plc, one of the largest environmental infrastructure groups in the UK.

Pennon Group is a FTSE 250 company and, as one of the largest employers and private investors in the South West, employs around 5,000 people. Its core businesses are South West Water and Viridor, one of the UK’s biggest recycling and renewable energy companies.

A qualified chartered accountant with 20 years’ experience in the utility sector, Susan has worked at Yorkshire Water, and was Finance Director at South West Water from 2007 to 2015, before joining the Pennon Board. She is a member of the A4S (Accounting for Sustainability) CFO leadership network.

Susan has a particular interest in infrastructure, the environment and skills, and will have a focus on supporting the South West as the UK’s future relationship with the EU takes shape.

Commenting on her appointment, Susan Davy, Chair of CBI South West Council, said:

“I’m honoured and delighted to succeed Andrew as the new chair of the CBI’s South West Council from January.

“At this critical time for the country and our region, the CBI will be striving for the best Brexit outcome for the South West and the UK. It’s also vital that businesses and our members have a seat at the table as new devolution deals are discussed.

“I very much look forward to working alongside Deborah Waddell and colleagues to support the South West’s fantastic businesses and entrepreneurs as we improve prosperity and productivity, and continue to back the South West.”

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: “I’m really delighted to welcome Susan to the CBI’s South West team. Susan’s wealth of experience, particularly in infrastructure – a key to unlocking the increased productivity which all our regions need – will help the CBI create the best possible conditions for its members in South West.

“As a new, post-Brexit landscape takes shape for the UK and the South West, Susan joins us at a pivotal time for the region’s economy and future, when firms will be looking for political stability and certainty from the Government. I look forward to working closely with Susan and Deborah to achieve this.”

Susan will represent the CBI’s members in the region with the Government, local mayors, councils and policy makers. The CBI South West Council forms part of the CBI’s national policy making committee, signing off all the CBI’s public policy positions, and plays a vital role in promoting the interests of businesses in the South West and ensuring the region’s business voice is heard in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond.