Strategic Leadership Transition at SJW Group
SJW Group has recently announced significant changes in its leadership team that are poised to steer the company towards continued expansion and operational success. Eric W. Thornburg, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, will retire effective June 30, 2025. With an impressive legacy of over 40 years in the water profession, he will continue to serve as non-executive Chair of the Board.
New Leadership Roles
The Board of SJW Group has appointed Andrew F. Walters as the incoming CEO, effective July 1, 2025. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Walters has been instrumental in bolstering the company’s financial health and growth trajectory. His transition to CEO reflects a strategic move to leverage his extensive financial management expertise for future initiatives. A search for a new Chief Financial Officer will follow to fill Walters' position.
Further strengthening its leadership structure, SJW Group has also announced two key promotions effective from the same date:
Bruce A. Hauk: A New Chapter as President
Bruce A. Hauk, who currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, will ascend to the role of President. With nearly three decades of experience in the water utility sector, Hauk brings a wealth of knowledge to the executive team, poised to drive operational strategies that enhance service delivery to customers.
Kristen A. Johnson's New Role in Shared Services
Kristen A. Johnson will transition to the newly created role of President of Shared Services, further diversifying her responsibilities beyond her current position as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Johnson's two decades of industry experience will be crucial in optimizing the newly established shared services organization.
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Under Thornburg’s leadership, SJW Group has experienced remarkable growth and operational advancements. He played a pivotal role in the 2019 acquisition of Connecticut Water Service, showcasing a vision that expanded the company's footprint to four states, affirming SJW's status as one of the leading investor-owned water utilities in the nation.
During his tenure, SJW Group has also seen substantial growth within Texas operations, where the company quadrupled water and wastewater connections since acquiring the region in 2006. Thornburg’s tenure is marked by cultivating a collaborative leadership team that supports the operational needs of over 1.6 million customers.
“Leading SJW Group has been a tremendous honor, and I feel privileged to have worked with such a talented team,” Thornburg stated. He expressed confidence in Walters' capability to further the company’s mission of excellence and service, emphasizing a shared commitment to supporting customers and communities.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Vision of Andrew Walters
As he steps into his new role, Walters plans to enhance investments in critical infrastructure and operational efficiencies while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and affordability. His previous experience in investment banking and managing infrastructure funds equips him well to navigate SJW Group's challenges and opportunities in the coming years.
Walters remarked, “I am excited to take on this role and enhance the momentum created under Eric's guidance. The combination of experience within our executive team will allow us to advance towards our long-term objectives and create lasting value for our stakeholders.”
Media and Investor Contacts
For more information about these transitions and SJW Group's strategic plan, the media can reach out to Nazan Riahei, VP of Corporate Communications, via email at Nazan.Riahei@sjwater.com or by phone at (408) 731-0890. For investor relations inquiries, Dan Meaney, Director of Investor Relations, is available at (860) 664-6016 or via email at Daniel.Meaney@ctwater.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the new CEO of SJW Group?
Andrew F. Walters has been appointed as the new CEO of SJW Group, effective July 1, 2025.
2. When is Eric W. Thornburg retiring?
Eric W. Thornburg will retire on June 30, 2025, but will continue as non-executive Chair of the Board.
3. What roles are Bruce A. Hauk and Kristen A. Johnson taking on?
Bruce A. Hauk will become President, and Kristen A. Johnson will serve as the President of the Shared Services organization, both effective July 1, 2025.
4. What vision has Andrew Walters shared for the company?
Andrew Walters aims to focus on infrastructure investment, operational efficiency, and sustainability while ensuring service excellence and affordability.
5. How has SJW Group grown during Thornburg’s leadership?
During Thornburg’s tenure, SJW Group expanded its geographic footprint and quadrupled connections in Texas, solidifying its position among the largest investor-owned water utilities in the U.S.
