Managing Director reappointed for another five years
Gippsland Water has reappointed managing director Sarah Cumming for a further five years, extending her leadership through to 2030.
Board chair Tom Mollenkopf AO announced the decision to staff this week, praising the local leader’s transformative leadership over the past eight years.
“During Sarah’s tenure as managing director, Gippsland Water has become a high-performing industry leader and trusted community partner,” Mr Mollenkopf said.
“Her steady and inspiring approach has delivered outstanding results during a time of regional economic change and regulatory reform.”
The next five years are expected to be pivotal for the organisation, with major customer contract negotiations, the development of the 2028–2033 price submission, and progress toward its 2030 net zero carbon emissions pledge.
“The Board was unanimous in its decision. Sarah’s track record and continued high performance make her the right person to lead us into the next chapter,” Mr Mollenkopf added.
Ms Cumming, a lifelong Gippslander, said she was honoured to continue serving her community.
“My motivation has always been to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity and wellbeing of Gippsland,” she said.
“Over the past eight years, we’ve delivered a price submission that lowered customer bills, expanded commercial operations, renegotiated legacy contracts for fairer outcomes, and significantly improved customer satisfaction.
“These are the sorts of outcomes that motivated me to take on the role back in 2017 and there is still so much more to be done.
“It’s a privilege to lead such an important organisation that plays such a vital role in the lives of 165,000 people.”
Ms Cumming commenced in the role of Gippsland Water managing director in 2017 and was the second ever female managing director appointed to a Victorian water corporation.
Her career includes senior executive roles at Latrobe City Council and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, following her early work as a litigation lawyer.
