Calisen appoints water operations director

Smart meter provider Calisen, headquartered in Manchester, has appointed Gary Adams as operations director for its growing water division as the business continues to expand its presence in the smart water infrastructure market.

Gary joins from Northumbrian Water, where he led a £160 million programme overseeing metering operations, smart technology deployment and customer engagement across a large-scale utility transformation project.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience across regulated utilities and operational delivery, including managing large field and office-based teams.

In his new role, Gary will lead operational delivery across Calisen’s water business, supporting the continued rollout of smart metering and infrastructure programmes.

He said: “The water sector is on the cusp of its largest regulatory and structural reform in a generation, and Calisen is laying the foundations to play a leading role in that shift. 

“Having spent much of my career at the intersection of utilities, technology and large-scale operational change, I have seen first-hand how transformative the right infrastructure and data capabilities can be for customers and communities. 

“Delivering against the sector's evolving expectations requires more than installing meters. 

“It requires integrated operational models, strong programme governance and the ability to convert data into actionable outcomes. Calisen has the scale, financial strength and technical capability to support water companies through this transition, and I am excited to join a business with the ambition to make a real difference.”

Gary’s appointment follows the recent arrival of Dr Diane Bitzel as chief technology officer and comes as the UK water sector prepares for significant regulatory reform following the proposed Clean Water Bill.

Catherine O'Kelly, chief executive of Calisen, added: “Gary’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the water sector.  

“With demand predicted to outstrip supply in the 2050s in the UK – and shortfalls forewarned for the mid-2030s – it is vital we radically reduce the billions of litres of water lost to leaks every year. 

“Smart metering is central to that challenge, enabling water companies to detect leakage, optimise networks, and engage customers in reducing consumption. 

“Gary's experience leading one of the most complex metering transformation programmes in the UK water sector is exactly what we need as we step up to play our part in solving this critical national issue.” 

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