Since 2015, the Australian Water Partnership has been managed by eWater Limited (eWL) on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). eWL is a not-for-profit company owned by the Commonwealth and every Australian state and territory government.
Following Dr Robert Carr’s resignation as eWater CEO in December last year, the eWL Board made the decision to restructure the organisation so that one new Group CEO could lead the company in a more strategic and holistic direction.
After a competitive selection process, the Board has appointed Michael Wilson as the new Group CEO of eWater Limited, commencing in the role as of 17 January 2022.
How this impacts AWP management, operations and partners
Michael Wilson will oversee all three operating divisions of eWL: eWater Solutions, AWP, and Mekong Water Solutions (a new initiative in partnership with DFAT based in Cambodia). Going forwards the operational head for AWP will be known as the General Manager, reporting to the eWater Group CEO.
In order to dispel any perceptions of a conflict of interest between eWater as an AWP Partner and as the entity managing AWP, the eWL Board has decided that eWater will not bid for AWP activities, though it will remain as an AWP partner. Depending on the skills and capabilities required, eWater may participate—if invited—as a member of a consortium approach delivering AWP activities (but not as lead partner). We will be publishing an updated Conflict of Interest Policy that reflects these arrangements.
To ensure a smooth and ordered transition for AWP operations, over the next few weeks Michael will also continue as AWP CEO until the new senior management arrangements are established. Sarah Ransom, our Partnerships & Impact Lead, will be Acting General Manager pending decisions about operational requirements, organisational structure and future staffing needs across AWP. The Acting General Manager for eWater is Trudy Green and the CEO for Mekong Water Solutions will be announced soon.
In the meantime, partners can continue to liaise with their existing AWP contacts for current projects and activities and have been encouraged to contact Michael directly.
We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in this new chapter of AWP, and we are very positive that these adjustments will mean a more cohesive and efficient organisation dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources for developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
