Alan Sutherland has been Chief Executive of the Water Industry Commission since its establishment in 2005, where he presided over the first successful liberalisation of a retail water market in the world, a model which has now been substantially replicated in England. Prior to WICS’ establishment, he was the Water Industry Commissioner, a role he took up in 1999. Under Alan’s supervision, the water industry in Scotland has become much more efficient – both operating and capital costs are down by some 40% on a like for like basis – and performance standards have improved markedly. The introduction of competition to the Scottish market has further facilitated new and improved services, reduced costs and increased emphasis on efficient water use.

Alan has extensive experience in management consultancy and in the investment banking industry. He was formerly a management consultant with Bain and Company and before that a Manager with Robert Fleming and Co. More recently he was Managing Director of Wolverine CIS Ltd. Alan has an MBA and MA from the Wharton School and the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and an MA (Hons) from the University of St Andrews.