New CEO for Australian Water Association

Australia's peak water industry body has a new chief executive officer.

Tom Mollenkopf has taken over from Chris Davis as CEO of the Australian Water Association (AWA). A long-time water industry professional, Tom joins AWA after two years serving as the deputy executive director of the International Water Association in London.

"Water is such a vital issue; where else would I possibly want to work?" Mollenkopf told the AWA Board on his first day at the helm of the association.

"The CEO role at AWA gives me the opportunity to provide leadership in the Australian water sector at a time when it has unparalleled importance on the national agenda."

Before going overseas, Tom spent 10 years at South East Water in Melbourne in executive roles including company secretary and general counsel, general manager corporate and finance and ultimately, general manager corporate strategy.

AWA president, Dr David Barnes said the role of CEO of the organisation was one of most important positions in Australia's water industry sector.

"The Australian Water Association represents water professionals in the nation's eight states and territories and is Australia's largest water sector association, so the responsibility of guiding the organisation into the future that will see unprecedented challenges in water security is considerable," he said.

Chris Davis, who steps down after 15 years as CEO, will be joining the University of Technology in Sydney, where he will be based in the Institute for Sustainable Futures.