What does it take to move from carrying a toolkit on the London Underground to leading some of Britain’s most complex and closely scrutinised infrastructure organisations?

In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson speaks with Mark Thurston, Chief Executive Officer of Anglian Water and one of the UK infrastructure sector’s most experienced leaders.

Mark began his career as a 16-year-old technical apprentice before progressing through engineering, project management and executive leadership. His career has included senior roles connected with the London 2012 Olympic Games, Crossrail, CH2M and HS2. Today, he is helping Anglian Water navigate a period of significant infrastructure investment, technological change and regulatory reform.

This is an honest conversation about how careers actually develop, through strong foundations, trusted relationships, thoughtful risks and the confidence to step forward before you feel completely ready.

• Why Mark chose an apprenticeship rather than university
• The habits he developed while working as a young technician
• Why conscientiousness can be more valuable than academic brilliance
• How mentors and role models shaped Mark’s early career
• Why every professional needs support beyond their line manager
• What reverse mentoring can teach experienced executives
• How personal networks create unexpected career opportunities
• Why the London 2012 Olympic programme succeeded where other major projects struggle
• The difference between overt ambition and quiet self-belief
• How to become comfortable wearing the “cloak” of leadership
• What project managers should consider before stepping into bigger roles
• Why senior leadership can become lonely and why Mark still works with an executive coach
• How professionals can build a personal reputation without becoming self-promotional
• The role of technology, talent and infrastructure investment in Anglian Water’s future
• Why leaders must manage today’s performance while preparing an organisation for a future they may never personally oversee

Mark’s story is a reminder that extraordinary careers are often built from ordinary disciplines practised consistently over many years.

Resources:

Mark Thurston is an engineer and infrastructure leader with more than 30 years of experience. Before joining Anglian Water, he served as European Managing Director of CH2M and worked on major programmes including the London 2012 Olympics and Crossrail. From March 2017 to September 2023, he was Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd.

Mark became Chief Executive Officer of Anglian Water in 2024. The organisation provides water and water recycling services to almost seven million people across the East of England and Hartlepool.

Connect with Mark

Mark Thurston’s official Anglian Water biography and the Anglian Water Group leadership page: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/corporate/about-us/about-anglian-water/group-structure/our-board/mark-thurston

Follow Mark Thurston on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/markthurston

Organisations Mentioned

— London Underground apprenticeship programme
— London 2012 Olympic Games
— Crossrail
— CH2M
— HS2
— Anglian Water
— UCL Infrastructure MBA
— Executive coaching and reverse mentoring

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