Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, at the beginning of May announced the appointment of Hunter Water’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Darren Cleary, as its new Managing Director.
Melinda said the formal appointment of Darren as Managing Director provides business continuity and direction while ensuring consistent delivery of Hunter Water services to the Lower Hunter community.
She expressed that Darren will be able to provide the leadership necessary at Hunter Water, using his extensive skills and experience to support him in the new role.
“I am confident Darren will continue to provide strong leadership at Hunter Water, building on his extensive experience at the agency, including most recently as Acting Chief Executive Officer since February,” she said.
“In his previous role as Chief Investment Officer, Darren was responsible for leading the planning and delivery of Hunter Water’s $600 million infrastructure program and coordinated Hunter Water’s drought response campaign Love Water.
“Darren brings more than 25 years’ experience working for utilities in the water sector and his appointment will allow Hunter Water to continue to deliver on its outstanding customer experience, while advancing key policy and strategy areas.”
Hunter Water Chairman, Terry Lawler AO, said Darren’s appointment to the role followed a rigorous, international recruitment process.
“This is a challenging time for everyone in our organisation and community. We are confident selecting Darren to lead Hunter Water on a permanent basis ensures Hunter Water remains well positioned to continue to deliver its essential services to the community,” Terry said.
Darren has lived in Newcastle for 18 years and holds a number of directorships, including on the Board of the Committee for Hunter and a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).
Darren succeeds former Managing Director, Jim Bentley, who was appointed as the NSW Government’s Chief Executive Officer for the NSW Water Sector in July last year.
IMAGE | Newly appointed Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary.
