newy.com.au – Jennifer Hayes has been appointed as Hunter Water’s new managing director, becoming the first woman to lead the utility in its 134-year history.
The NSW Government announced Ms Hayes would take up the role from Monday, 23 March, after what it described as a comprehensive recruitment process. The position became vacant after former managing director Darren Cleary was appointed chief executive of Sydney Water.
Ms Hayes has spent the past seven years as Hunter Water’s executive manager and chief financial officer. Before joining the utility, she held leadership positions with Mars, Incorporated, and non-executive director roles in primary health, education and regional development.
Hunter Water, one of the state’s publicly owned utilities, provides water and wastewater services to almost 650,000 people across the Lower Hunter and is advancing major water security projects including the Belmont Desalination Plant. The government said Ms Hayes played a crucial role in supporting the business case for the project.
Water Minister Rose Jackson said: “I’m excited to announce the appointment of Jennifer Hayes as Managing Director and look forward to seeing Hunter Water continue to thrive under her leadership as it keeps delivering reliable, sustainable and customer-focused services for the Lower Hunter region.
“Her knowledge of the organisation, diverse business background and substantial leadership experience mean Hunter Water is in trusted, capable hands going forward.”
Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley said the appointment was about ensuring the region’s water was managed with “a real, on-the-ground understanding of how things work up here”.
“We need leadership that understands the pressures we’re facing right now, from growth to drought, while keeping a clear focus on our responsibilities to the generations to come,” she said.
“After seven years working with Hunter Water, I’m confident Ms Hayes has the experience and the commitment to make sure people across the Hunter have water that’s reliable, affordable and properly looked after.”
Hunter Water board chair Elizabeth Crouch AM said Ms Hayes had emerged as the leading candidate from a strong field and was well placed to guide the organisation through its next stage.
“As a respected leader within Hunter Water and indeed the region, she is well skilled to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development, focussing on water security, climate adaptability and customer care,” Ms Crouch said.
“Jen’s finance and business background, coupled with her experience in the water sector, health and regional Australia, are great assets for Hunter Water.”
