A FORMER York school pupil is to become the youngest woman boss of a FTSE 100 company.

Originally from Harrogate, Liv Garfield, is to take over as head of water company Severn Trent, becoming only the fourth woman to head a top-flight London-listed business.

The 38-year-old mother of two is a former pupil of Bootham School and is now set to receive a pay package worth up to £2.4 million after two-and-a-half years in charge of the telecoms giant’s Openreach division, overseeing its £2.5 billion roll-out of fibre broadband.

Lis Hooley, a teacher at Bootham School, taught Ms Garfield.

She said: “I remember she was a very bright girl and a pleasure to be with.

“She was quick-witted, with a sharp mind and a determination to see things through to the end - she didn’t like to let things drop. She was popular and enthusiastic, so I’m not entirely surprised by the news and she’s a great role model for our students today.”

Ms Garfield is to take up the role at Severn Trent when current boss Tony Wray retires next spring. She said: “I am really looking forward to joining Severn Trent. It is a leader in an industry going through significant change and has, at its heart, a commitment to serving its customers well.”