Drawing on decades of industry insight and experience, the session will examine how investment cycles, regulatory approaches and infrastructure priorities have shifted over time across both sectors.
The discussion will consider where common challenges and opportunities exist, and how historical perspectives can help inform future decision-making during a period of significant industry transition.
Bringing together expertise from both the water and gas sectors, Jo and Russell will share reflections on how the industries have evolved, the different paths they have taken, and the enduring themes that continue to shape infrastructure planning and investment today.
Jo Parker is a chartered civil engineer and has worked in the water industry for 50 years. The first ever woman engineer to work for Thames Water Authority (and possibly the water industry), she has held a variety of roles with UK water companies including Operations Director. She has also worked in other countries as varied as Afghanistan and Australia.
She was awarded the MBE by the late Queen in 1994 for services to the water industry and was recognised as one of the top 50 women working in sustainability in 2020.
Jo currently works as an independent consultant specialising in the management of water networks and is recognised internationally as an expert in the field. She is the outgoing Vice-President Engineering of the Institute of Water and a former National Chair and area President. She is also an honorary member of the Pipeline Industries Guild and the Institute of Water.
Russell Thomas is a respected gas historian and Technical Director at WSP. He is widely recognised for his comprehensive research into the history and development of the UK gas industry.
His evidence-based insights and detailed understanding of past transitions provide valuable context for current and future strategic decision-making in the gas sector.
Russell is also Chairman of the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers History Panel.