Stephen Slessor, CEO of RSE, is an incredible business leader who is revolutionising the water sector to benefit consumers, as well as being a tireless champion for women and social value in the construction industry.
In the past 12 months alone he has led RSE to win the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, been elected Chair of British Water, won the Women in Construction “Male Ally” Award, launched a pro bono partnership with WaterAid in Malawi, spurred UK export growth by opening RSE’s first US office and speaking at the world’s biggest water-industry event, and been listed in both the Top 100 Influential People 2025 and the Top 100 Business Track for Entrepreneurs. It is an extraordinary level of achievement.
Influential and highly trusted, he has transformed the companies he leads with soaring turnover and new jobs, underpinned by innovation that cuts consumers’ bills while improving water quality and introduces pioneering sustainable technologies. His goal has been not just to grow these businesses but to redefine how they operate.
Stephen is outstanding in his work to attract more women into construction and engineering, see them promoted into leadership roles and make the workplace more appealing to women at every level and from every social background. Social value runs through everything he does, with lasting positive impact on the local economy and social fabric.