Richard Aylard joined Thames Water in 2002 as Corporate Responsibility Director and led the company’s engagement with external stakeholders, including councils, MPs, community groups and environmental organisations from 2005 to 2019. As Sustainability Director, Richard focuses on the key issues of the environment, responsible business and the response to the climate crisis, working in partnership with stakeholders and groups. Richard is a member of the executive team and is the principal spokesperson with the media and other audiences.
Richard has a degree in biological science from Reading University and served in the Royal Navy for 16 years. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management and Chair of the Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) Charity.