New Managing Director for South East Water
The Board of South East Water is delighted to announce the appointment of Carla Purcell as its new Managing Director following an extensive executive search process.
Ms Purcell will take up the position on Monday 18 August.
With a proven track record in delivering safe and reliable essential services that put customers first, Ms Purcell has the right skills and experience to lead the next phase of South East Water’s evolution as a customer-led digital water utility.
Before joining South East Water, Carla held Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer positions at Yarra Trams. She holds degrees in law and commerce with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics) from Deakin University.
"Carla has an impressive track record as a strategic, people-focused leader in complex infrastructure where customer service and safety is paramount.
“In a competitive field of candidates, the Board was impressed by Carla’s strong focus on operational excellence and managing stakeholder interests to deliver exceptional services and outcomes for South East Water’s customers and communities.
“She has the right mix of skills to position our organisation for future success as we continue to transform the way we operate to respond to a changing climate and population growth."
– South East Water Chair, Lynn Warneke.
Incoming South East Water Managing Director Carla Purcell is delighted to be appointed.
"I’m excited to start as Managing Director leading the team to support almost 1.9 million customers with essential water services across Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula.
“After leading the team at Yarra Trams, moving more than 500,000 people across Melbourne every day, to now, providing water services, I’ve always been driven by my passion for delivering safe and reliable services that put customers first, while being part of shaping Victoria’s water sector."
– Incoming South East Water Managing Director Carla Purcell.
Ms Warneke thanked Ms Olsen for her 5 years of service as Managing Director.
"Lara will depart South East Water having established a strong organisational culture and reputation as an innovative, customer-led digital utility."
Ms Warneke thanked Ms Olsen for her 5 years of service as Managing Director.
About South East Water
At South East Water, our purpose is to deliver healthy water for life for our customers, community and environment
We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage, and recycled water services to almost 1.9 million people, every day and every night.
We’re a Victorian Government-owned distributor and retailer of these essential services to homes and businesses in Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula.
We manage over $5 billion in assets including water and sewerage networks – the pipes, pumping stations, valves and water recycling plants that bring water to our customers and take waste away.
For further information or enquiries
Contact us at media@sew.com.au.