The Establishment Board of Waikato Waters Limited is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Brennan as Interim Chief Executive, effective immediately.
Board Chair Elena Trout said Mr Brennan brings deep leadership experience in complex, large-scale water and infrastructure organisations at a time when Waikato Waters is moving toward operational readiness.
“Neil is a highly respected water sector leader with a strong track record of guiding organisations through transition, major capital programmes and stakeholder complexity,” Ms Trout said. “His experience will be invaluable as we prepare Waikato Waters for Day One and continue the search for a permanent Chief Executive.”
The recruitment process for the inaugural permanent Chief Executive of Waikato Waters is now underway. Waikato Waters will be one of the region’s largest entities, with assets of approximately $1.6 billion, serving communities across the Waikato on behalf of its shareholding councils.
Mr Brennan is an accomplished Chief Executive and Managing Director with more than 40 years’ industry experience, including 32 years in senior executive leadership roles. He has led small, medium and large organisations through complex commercial, operational and regulatory environments, delivering strategies that support growth, innovation and strong organisational performance.
Most recently, Mr Brennan served as Chief Executive of the South East Queensland Bulk Water Authority from 2018 to May 2024, where he was responsible for delivering safe, secure and cost-effective bulk water supply to more than 3.6 million people. His role included oversight of a $1 billion operating budget and a capital investment programme exceeding $3 billion, alongside major governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
Mr Brennan has also held Chief Executive and Managing Director roles with Macedon Region Water Authority, Western Region Water Authority, Central Highlands Water, Western Water, and as Interim Managing Director of Goulburn Murray Water.
He holds a Master’s degree in Leadership, an Oxford University Management Certificate, and a Graduate Diploma of Business Management.
The Board also acknowledges the resignation last year of Programme Director Vaughan Payne, whose final day with Waikato Waters will be 24 January.
“Vaughan has made a significant contribution to the establishment of Waikato Waters,” Ms Trout said. “He has worked with commitment and care to help lay strong foundations for the organisation, and the Board sincerely thanks him for the professionalism and dedication he has brought to this work.”
As Waikato Waters moves into the next phase of establishment, the Board remains focused on supporting staff and leadership to build an organisation that delivers outstanding outcomes for shareholding councils and the communities they serve when operations commence on 1 July.
ENDS
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