Changes to the Watercare board ahead of transition

Two experienced retail water company directors have been added to the board of Watercare Services Limited (Watercare) to ensure a smooth transition for Auckland’s water utilities into the new integrated Watercare entity.

Peter Drummond, is a director for Manukau city’s retail water company, Manukau Water Limited, and Ross Keenan, is chairman of Auckland city’s retail water company, Metro Water Limited Both have been appointed to Watercare’s board in addition to their retail board membership.

Councillor Douglas Armstrong, chairperson of the Shareholders’ Representative Group of Watercare Services Limited (SRG), said: “The additions of Peter Drummond and Ross Keenan ensures transition planning and decisions have immediate quality retail sector input. Retail water company board experience will also be retained once these local network operators (Manukau Water and Metrowater) are disbanded.

“They both have skills which add value to the integrated entity and experience with the issues facing the industry during the transition.

“I am confident they will add a huge amount to the board and prove to be a great asset during this critical time of major change.”

Peter Drummond is an experienced director and chairperson with a marketing and governance background, and extensive retail and wholesale knowledge of the Auckland water industry. He will remain on the board of Manukau Water during the transition.

Ross Keenan has an extensive background in finance, infrastructure, property, governance, the retail and wholesale water industry, and vast experience as a director. He will remain chairman of the board of Metrowater during the transition.

There were also other changes to the board of Watercare recently. Dr Ian Parton resigned from the board after he was appointed Transitional Chief Executive of Watercare in December 2009 and Terry Kayes retired in January 2010. Graham Hawkins and Jeff Todd were both reappointed to the board.

Graham Hawkins, due to retire in December 2009, was reappointed for a further one-year term as chairman of the board of Watercare, as his extensive experience on the board was felt to be critical for the transition to the new integrated Watercare entity.

Jeff Todd, due to retire in May 2010, was reappointed for a further three-year tenure. His experience in audit and risk management, as well as his experience as a director on the board of Watercare, was seen as an advantage during the transition.

The three remaining directors, Patrick Sneddon, David Clarke and Susan Huria are currently in the middle of their tenures.

ENDS

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