WDP executive was a friend and mentor with passion for success

TRIBUTES have been paid to chief executive of Western Power Distribution (WPD), Robert Symons, who has died following a battle with cancer.

Mr Symons was instrumental in achieving improvements in network performance, reductions in cost and industry-leading customer satisfaction that enabled WPD to be regarded as the UK’s leading electricity distribution business, operating across south Wales and the south west of England.

Bill Spence, chairman, president and chief executive Officer of PPL, WPD’s parent company, said: “Our industry has lost a tireless champion of the critical role that network operators play in serving customers and in shaping the UK’s energy future. Robert was a force of nature driven to deliver for our customers and never satisfied with the status quo, always challenging the business to reach higher for those it served.

“Those of us who knew Robert well lost a friend and mentor whose passion for success will not be forgotten soon.”

Phil Swift, WPD’s operations director who has been appointed to succeed Mr Symons as chief executive, said his contribution to the success of WPD and to the wider energy industry had been massive, and he would be greatly missed.

He added “Our thoughts are with Robert’s wife and his children and grandchildren at this very sad time.”