Victorian EPA exec named as Coliban Water's new managing director
by Water Source
An executive director at the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will take over as Coliban Water’s Managing Director next month.
Damian Wells has been with the EPA for nearly five years and is currently Executive Director – Regulatory Capability, Engagement and Legal Services.
He was previously CEO of the North Central Catchment Management Authority, which oversees the sustainable management of land and water resources across a diverse region of Victoria.
Coliban Water is one of Victoria’s larger regional water corporations, servicing 49 towns in the state’s north central area.
Coliban Water Board Chair Lucy Roffey said it was Wells’ experience working with both regional and urban communities that made him a stand-out candidate for the job.
“Damian has extensive experience at CEO and executive director level within the water and environment sectors, and his track record in strategic leadership is a great fit for Coliban Water,” she said.
Coliban Water recently launched its Strategy 2030, which outlines four strategic directions for the future: water security and zero carbon; healthy people and environment; prosperous economies; and green and active communities.
Wells, who lives in the region, said he had a strong connection to the strategy and to the utility’s vision of ‘Water to Live, Grow and Enjoy’.
“I am deeply committed to the region and our inspiring communities,” Wells said.
“The board … has highlighted climate adaptation as a key leadership focus for Coliban Water, and I look forward to working with the organisation, stakeholders, and most importantly our customers and communities, in supporting the growth and prosperity of the region to meet long-term water needs.”
Wells will start at Coliban Water on 5 August for a period of five years. He will take over from Coliban Water Executive General Manager Service and Infrastructure Neville Pearce, who has been acting MD for five months following the departure of former MD Jeff Rigby.
