New Chief Executive Officer for Water Corporation 2018

• Pat Donovan to take over the reins as new Water Corporation CEO at start of next year

Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced the appointment of Pat Donovan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Water Corporation, for a term of five years commencing on January 1, 2019.

Through a rigorous recruitment process led by the board, and in agreement with the Minister for Water, Mr Donovan was selected as the best person to lead the Water Corporation as the new CEO.

Mr Donovan is currently Water Corporation General Manager Operations - a position he was appointed to in August 2018. He has more than 25 years of experience in the gas utility sector in Australia and Ireland, and prior to recently joining the Water Corporation was President of ATCO Gas Australia.

Mr Donovan has qualifications in engineering and finance, and has also completed an Ivey Business Executive Program at Western University in Canada.

The Water Corporation is one of Western Australia’s most successful government-owned utilities, and one of Mr Donovan’s key responsibilities will be continuing to lead the Water Corporation’s strategic response to the impacts of climate change in WA.

Mr Kelly took the opportunity to thank outgoing CEO Sue Murphy for her 10 years of excellent service in the role.  Ms Murphy announced in June it was time to hand over the reins when her contract expired at the end of this year.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

“I congratulate Mr Donovan on his appointment and feel confident his extensive senior executive experience will stand him in good stead for the challenges he faces as CEO.

“He has a proven track record of developing and delivering customer-focused business strategies and achieving success in the Western Australian utility sector.

“I thank Ms Murphy for her public service over the past 10 years. As a successful and strong female leader, she has been a role model to women in the public sector and broader community.”

Comments attributed to Water Corporation chairperson Michael Hollett:

“Mr Donovan brings an engineering background to the role as well as the right leadership qualities needed to succeed.

“With a track record of delivery, his high integrity, values driven approach and ability to connect with people, the board is confident he will lead the Water Corporation to deliver on our new vision.”