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Executive Search

Appointing a Managing Director for a Regional Water Authority

Date Posted:16 March 2026

Delivering an executive search to appoint a values‑led Managing Director for a growing regional water authority.

The Brief

Our firm was engaged by a regional water authority to lead the executive search for a new Managing Director, following several previous successful senior appointments. This transition represented a significant moment for the organisation, which had had only a small number of Managing Directors since its establishment. With the region experiencing rapid growth and the organisation operating under a clear strategic framework, the Board sought a leader who could uphold a strong legacy while guiding the organisation into its next phase of evolution.

The brief centred on identifying a values‑driven, collaborative executive capable of fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment and customer‑centred service delivery. The role required a leader who could provide strategic foresight, organisational drive and sound decision‑making across water, wastewater and recycled water services. Priorities included improving customer value and satisfaction, embedding responsible asset management, championing digital transformation and supporting regional prosperity through forward‑thinking operational and strategic leadership.
The Managing Director would work closely with a highly engaged Board and lead a committed executive team to cultivate an innovative, high‑performing organisational culture. The authority sought a candidate with senior‑level experience, the capacity to deliver complex service outcomes, and the interpersonal capability to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders while shaping a sustainable future for the organisation.

Process

We undertook a comprehensive and nationally focused executive search across Australia and New Zealand, supported by a strategic advertising campaign in major state newspapers and regional publications, as well as targeted online channels. Drawing on our recent work in the region and our strong experience appointing senior utilities and public‑sector leaders, we developed a broad, diverse and high‑quality longlist representing a variety of aligned sectors.

The search extended across water utilities, independent authorities, government agencies, energy and infrastructure organisations, customer‑service environments, and both public and private sector entities. From this market mapping, we delivered a longlist of ten candidates who brought deep operational expertise, contemporary leadership capability and strong alignment with the organisation’s culture and requirements.
Following collaboration with the Board, five candidates progressed to first‑round in‑person interviews with the Chair and selected Board members. Two candidates were shortlisted for a second‑round panel assessment. Ahead of these interviews, each finalist completed a behavioural psychometric profile and a cognitive aptitude assessment, and presented a scenario‑based response to evaluate their strategic thinking, innovation mindset and communication capability at Board level.
Comprehensive reference checks and probity screening were conducted to ensure a rigorous, evidence‑based selection process that aligned with the organisation’s governance expectations and leadership standards.

The Outcome

The successful candidate was a highly experienced internal executive who demonstrated a compelling combination of strategic capability, organisational insight and an inclusive, forward‑looking leadership style. The appointee brought a strong appetite for innovation and calculated risk, extensive experience within the organisation’s executive leadership team, and a well‑developed understanding of regional customer and community expectations. Their professional background also included experience across both private sector and local government environments, adding commercial acumen and cross‑sector perspective to their leadership approach.

The Board valued the candidate’s capacity to drive organisational performance, strengthen culture, and enhance the authority’s role in delivering high‑quality water services and regional economic benefit. The appointment provided both continuity and fresh strategic momentum, positioning the organisation strongly for its next phase of growth and transformation. The new Managing Director commenced in July 2022.

 

 

Consultant

David Baber

Senior Partner, Executive Search View Profile

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