New Managing Director Appointed

The Board of Westernport Water is pleased to announce that Dona Tantirimudalige has been appointed as its new Managing Director following an extensive recruitment process. Ms Tantirimudalige is expected to commence on 1 September 2021.

As an experienced leader in the Victorian water sector with a strong focus on customer outcomes, Ms Tantirimudalige will join Westernport Water at an opportune time to lead and influence the development of its next five-year price plan.

Prior to joining Westernport Water, Ms Tantirimudalige was the General Manager of Distribution Services at Yarra Valley Water, responsible for managing water, recycled water and sewerage infrastructure to agreed levels of service and in accordance with environmental performance standards. Ms Tantirimudalige was primarily responsible for long term asset management, the optimisation of existing infrastructure networks, and the maintenance and renewal of infrastructure.

Ms Tantirimudalige holds a Masters in Public Policy and Management, a Bachelor of Engineering (civil-honours), and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Dona also brings six years of Board experience into the role and is the outgoing President of the Institute of Water Administrators.

Westernport Water Chair, Phil Clark was delighted with the depth of water sector experience Ms Tantirimudalige brings to the corporation.

“Dona has a wealth of leadership experience and a strong record of delivering customer-focused results in the Victorian water sector. Furthermore, Dona has made a significant contribution in the not for profit sector, where her strategic leadership, stakeholder management, financial management and governance skills have been demonstrated as a Board Chair and Director. We welcome Dona to Westernport Water and look forward to her commencement.”

Ms Tantirimudalige’s appointment coincides with the upcoming departure of long-serving Managing Director Peter Quigley, who leaves at the end of August after nearly six years. Mr Quigley will leave behind a strong legacy at Westernport Water, which includes improved operational performance, a strong focus on workplace health and safety, asset management, community engagement and employee engagement, highlighted by Westernport Water winning the 2018 Institute of Public Administration’s Leading Employer Award.

“The Board would like to thank outgoing Managing Director Peter Quigley for his significant contribution to our workplace and for the improvements in products and services that he has championed for our customers. We wish him the very best for the future”, Mr Clark said.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Manager Communications and Engagement on 1300 720 711 or email | communications@westernportwater.com.au