SJW Group appoints Kay R. New as chief human resources officer
- SJW Group, a leading national utility provider, announced the appointment of Kay R. New as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately.
- New has extensive prior experience at Avangrid, where she focused on employee engagement and creating inclusive programs.
- Her appointment is expected to enhance SJW Group’s talent development and organizational effectiveness, thereby improving service delivery.
On April 21, 2025, in San Jose, California, SJW Group announced the appointment of Kay R. New as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This strategic move comes at a time when the company seeks to enhance its operations in the water and wastewater utility sector. With her appointment, New is expected to lead initiatives focused on talent development, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement, all crucial for improving the workforce’s performance. New brings with her extensive experience from her previous role as the Vice President of Rewards and Employee Experience at Avangrid, a significant player in the energy sector. She has a proven record of creating inclusive cultures that attract and retain talent, which played a key role in Avangrid being recognized as a Top Employer in the U.S. by Top Employers Institute. In her new capacity, she will oversee all aspects of human resources strategy within SJW Group, a company composed of various locally operated water utilities across the United States, including San Jose Water Company in California and others in Connecticut, Maine, and Texas. Prior to her tenure at Avangrid, her roles included vital positions in talent acquisition and employee management at SGS North America, emphasizing her strong leadership capabilities. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – HR Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and completion of the Energising Leadership Programme at ESADE Business School in Madrid. New’s appointment is seen as a way to strengthen the company’s focus on community service and environmental stewardship by empowering its workforce. Her commitment to these values resonates with SJW Group’s mission of delivering high-quality water services to the communities they serve, highlighting the importance of employee satisfaction and performance in accomplishing this goal. In summary, Kay R. New’s appointment marks a significant shift towards fostering a robust organizational culture that prioritizes employee engagement and effectiveness at SJW Group. With the potential to implement innovative human resources strategies and programs, her leadership might be pivotal in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the utility industry in the current landscape.