AWA announces new CEO

The Australian Water Association (AWA) announced today that its board of directors has named Jonathan McKeown as Chief Executive Officer effective 27 May. McKeown replaces outgoing CEO Tom Mollenkopf, who announced his intention to stand down from the role earlier this year.

AWA President Lucia Cade said that McKeown brings substantial experience from the private and public sectors in highly commercial environments, as well as significant leadership experience and understanding of membership-based organisations.

“Jonathan has successfully worked in law, manufacturing, international project management, the rural sector, government lobbying and management consulting in Asia-Pacific. Throughout his career Jonathan has honed his commercial project management skills in the areas of water resource projects, infrastructure and agriculture amongst others.

“While his past roles are not directly involved in the traditional water industry, water management and access to water has been a core issue prompting Jonathan’s passion for water as a fundamental element supporting Australia’s economic growth and prosperity. I look forward to working closely with Jonathan as he leads the company into a new phase and builds value for our members in the coming years.

“On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank Tom Mollenkopf for his contributions to the association over the last six years and wish him well with his next steps,” said Cade.

Having been based in Asia for the past six years, McKeown returns to Australia to take up the position in Sydney.