BBCDavid Hinton will remain in post during a transition periodThe chief executive of a water company which was heavily criticised after severe supply issues caused misery for tens of thousands of people over winter has resigned.
South East Water said David Hinton had decided to step down but would remain in post "to allow an orderly transition over the summer period".
"He feels his position has become an increasing distraction from South East Water's most important priority, which is to deliver a resilient water supply for its customers," the company said.
Several MPs had called for Hinton to go following a series of water supply failures for thousands of customers in Kent and Sussex in recent months.
His exit was confirmed seven days after Chris Train, the chair of South East Water, resigned in the wake of a damning select committee report into the issues.
Some 24,000 properties in Kent and Sussex lost water or had low pressure in November and December, and just weeks later up to 30,000 were hit with more issues.
Interim chair Lisa Clement said: "The board acknowledges and thanks Dave for his many years of loyal dedication and service to South East Water."
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