Meet our new Managing Director
Steven Waterhouse will become Wannon Water’s new Managing Director.
Chair Helen Scarborough announced the appointment today, saying the Board had agreed that Mr Waterhouse was the right person to lead Wannon Water into the future.
Current Managing Director Andrew Jeffers advised the Board last year that he would not be seeking reappointment when his contract ends in mid-July 2025.
Mr Waterhouse is currently Wannon Water’s General Manager People and Business Services.
Dr Scarborough said Mr Waterhouse’s governance, corporate and financial acumen stood out during an extensive recruitment process that attracted applicants from across Australia and internationally.
Mr Waterhouse joined Wannon Water in 2007 after experiences in audit, payroll and business advisory services at a regional accounting firm and as a finance manager in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry. He has been an integral part of the Executive Leadership Team at Wannon Water as Chief Financial Officer for the past 14 years. In his current role, he is focused on financial, people, risk, safety and audit functions.
Mr Waterhouse said it was a privilege to be appointed and to continue working alongside a talented, committed, and values-driven team.
“Wannon Water’s strength has always been its people, and I’m excited to lead us into this next chapter,” he said. “I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that Wannon Water has on the communities we serve, from providing safe and reliable water to supporting long-term sustainability, regional growth, and customer wellbeing. I’m passionate about continuing this work and ensuring we remain a trusted and valued provider of essential services for our community.”
Mr Waterhouse said, as Managing Director, his focus would be on delivering high-quality water services while preparing the organisation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. “I look forward to leading Wannon Water into the future and working with our customers, communities, and partners to continue delivering with excellence and purpose.”
Mr Jeffers said he was extremely proud to have been able to lead such a fabulous organisation. “We do important work which is of immense benefit to our communities and our region. I’m confident Steve will now lead the organisation into the next exciting phase and be well settled in ahead of the next Price Submission due in late 2027.”
Dr Scarborough said Mr Jeffers had made an enormous contribution to Wannon Water and the water sector spanning more than three decades. Before his appointment as Managing Director in July 2015, he worked in various engineering and corporate roles both within the organisation and the wider Victorian water industry.
“Our customers have benefited from Andrew’s leadership and commitment to ensure our organisation is financially sound, so they receive great value for their investment in water and sewerage services.
“He’s been a powerful advocate for our region and our vision to go beyond water for strong communities. Andrew has always put people at the centre of his decision-making and is particularly passionate about ensuring we lead by example as a safe, inclusive and equitable organisation that embraces and promotes diversity.”
