1. Eric W. Thornburg to retire as non-executive chair on Jan. 31, 2026. 2. Thornburg shaped H2O America's mission and leadership for many years. 3. Andrew F. Walters will succeed Thornburg as board chair effective Feb. 1, 2026. 4. H2O America focuses on delivering high-quality water services and sustainability. 5. The leadership transition aims to ensure stability and community commitment.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
Leadership transitions often create stability and confidence, thus potentially boosting stock prices. Historical data shows that seamless transitions maintain investor trust, like past successful shifts in publicly traded utilities.
How important is it?
The retirement of a long-standing leader can raise investor concerns, but the new appointment is positive. This balanced outlook reflects a company committed to continuity and community service.
Why Short Term?
The leadership change is immediate and aims to reassure investors regarding future direction. Past transitions, such as that of Duke Energy, have historically led to short-term stock increases as the market processes new leadership.
H2O America Announces Leadership Transition in the Board of Directors
SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H2O America (NASDAQ: HTO) has revealed that Eric W. Thornburg will retire as the non-executive chair of the board of directors, effective January 31, 2026. Mr. Thornburg, who has significantly contributed to the company’s success over the years, has served in various roles including chair, president, and CEO. This leadership transition marks an important moment for H2O America as it continues its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable water service to communities.
Transition Details and Successor
This announcement follows Mr. Thornburg’s earlier retirement from his roles as CEO and president earlier this year. His tenure at H2O America spans eight years of dedicated service, along with over 40 years of experience in the drinking water profession. The board has expressed profound gratitude for his leadership and the stability he provided during this significant period of change.
Starting February 1, 2026, Andrew F. Walters, the current CEO, will take over as the new chair of the board. The board expresses confidence in Mr. Walters' ability to lead H2O America through this transition, ensuring a continued focus on serving customers and communities effectively.
Leadership Quotes Reflecting Commitment and Vision
In his statement, Eric W. Thornburg remarked, “It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve H2O America and work alongside such exceptional professionals. I am deeply grateful for everyone’s commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. As I step away from my role as chair, I have full confidence in our leadership bench, our dedicated people, and the bright future ahead for H2O America.”
Andrew F. Walters also shared his thoughts, stating, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair alongside our board and talented team. Over the past several months, we have worked together to advance H2O America’s mission and deliver reliable, high-quality water service across our national footprint. Building on Eric’s legacy, I look forward to continuing to deepen our impact and help our customers and communities thrive for generations to come.”
About H2O America (NASDAQ: HTO)
H2O America is a national investor-owned network of local water and wastewater utilities, dedicated to delivering clean and high-quality water to the communities it serves. For H2O America, providing essential water services is a privilege that sustains public health, vibrant neighborhoods, and a reliable future.
The company operates approximately 407,000 water and wastewater service connections, continually investing in critical infrastructure to enhance water supply for future generations. H2O America is deeply engaged in its local communities, achieving operational excellence while delivering sustainable, long-term value to investors.
- Serves over 1.6 million people across the United States.
- Operates through four regional utilities: Connecticut Water, Maine Water, San Jose Water, and Texas Water.
- Focuses on protecting local water resources and community health.
For additional information, interested parties can visit the official H2O America website at www.H2O-America.com.
Contact Information
Investor Relations:
Jonathan G. Reeder, Senior Director of Treasury & Investor Relations
Phone: (475) 414-1034
Email: InvestorRelations@H2O-America.com
Media Relations:
Nazan Riahei, Vice President of Communications
Phone: (408) 731-0890
Email: MediaRelations@H2O-America.com