Shaun Cumming appointed Barwon Water Interim Managing Director

Barwon Water Chair Jo Plummer has announced the appointment of the organisation’s interim Managing Director to follow the departure of Tracey Slatter, who is moving on to take up the role of CEO of the TAC.

General Manager Infrastructure, Technology and Transformation Shaun Cumming had been appointed to the role of Interim Managing Director, effective from Friday 16 June.

“Over the past six years, Shaun has been an integral part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) at Barwon Water,” Ms Plummer said.

“He has made a significant contribution towards our Strategy 2030 goals through his extensive experience in operations, construction, business development, program delivery and transformation over a 25-year career in the water industry.”

Ms Plummer said Mr Cumming was a highly capable leader who was trusted and respected by a broad range of Barwon Water’s external stakeholders.

“With the full support of the ELT and Board, Shaun is well positioned to lead Barwon Water through this period of transition.

“The Board is very confident that the organisation is in excellent shape to advance the delivery of Strategy 2030 and the 2023 Price Submission to progress our commitments to our community and customers.”

Mr Cumming said he was proud to have been appointed and looked forward to maintaining the momentum built during Ms Slatter’s time at Barwon Water, which sees it ranked first in all four of the Essential Service Commission’s customer perception survey categories for Victorian water corporations (trust, value for money, reputation, overall satisfaction) to March this year.

“We are doing some incredible work at Barwon Water with our community and stakeholders to reduce emissions, contribute to a circular economy, look after the environment and support Traditional Owners to care for country all while supplying high quality essential water and sewerage services.

“I look forward to continuing to drive that work in the coming months.”

Ms Plummer said that while she was saddened to see Ms Slatter leave for the TAC, Barwon Water was in excellent shape to advance the great work begun in her time at Barwon Water.

“I again thank Tracey for her incredible leadership over the past six and a half years at Barwon Water. In her time here, Barwon Water has made huge strides, recognising its key role in driving regional prosperity, caring for customers and addressing the considerable challenges of climate change and population growth. She has empowered our people to lead, innovate, partner and find ways to solve problems facing our region.”

Ms Plummer said Ms Slatter had also been a champion for diversity, inclusion and safety leading by example in fostering a high performing culture.

“She has respectfully built relationships with Traditional Owners and other First Nations people, demonstrating her commitment to reconciliation and self-determination. Through doing so, she has embedded this as a core value at Barwon Water, and one which we will proudly continue.”

“I’m confident under Shaun’s leadership, our staff’s care, skill and dedication to the delivery of Strategy 2030 will ensure we progress upon our commitments to our community and customers in the coming months, while we undertake an extensive recruitment process, to fill the position.”