Welcoming Dr Susy Cook to Aqua

We are delighted to announce Dr Susy Cook has officially joined us as Chief Executive Officer, effective from Monday 2 September 2024.

Susy is a dedicated and innovative Executive and Board member who brings a wealth of experience across 25 years in the NHS and academia in varying roles – from Manager, Director, Coach, Leadership and Organisational Development Lead and Improver.

With a deep commitment to healthcare excellence and a track record of effective leadership in the NHS, Susy will further develop a shared sense of purpose, motivation for improvement, and growth during an exciting time of change for the NHS.

As previously announced, Sue Holden, who has been our Chief Executive since June 2022, will now become Executive Chair of the Board and Phil Wadeson who has been acting as Chair since October 2023, will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair.

Speaking about her new role as CEO, Susy said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Aqua as CEO and continue my commitment to continuous improvement. I look forward to bringing the experience I have

gained in other contexts to this exciting and important organisation. I am delighted that Sue will be staying on as Executive Chair and look forward to working together with her and the team to continue to drive the success of the organisation.”

Sue Holden, our new Executive Chair and Former CEO, added:

“I would like to thank Aqua’s staff, members and customers for all we have achieved together during my time as Chief Executive. After much contemplation, I made the decision to step down from the role earlier this year. However, this is far from goodbye as I start my new role as Executive Chair of the Board. In this role, I will continue to contribute strategically to our work and ensure that we remain at the forefront of improvement across the UK and beyond. This transition will allow me to balance my personal priorities whilst staying deeply connected to the organisation I value so much.”