Murphy to step down from Water Corp

Water Corporation chief executive Sue Murphy has announced she will stand down at the end of the year after a decade at the helm.

Mrs Murphy was appointed to the role in 2008 and is only the second person to fill the position since the organisation was established in 1996.

Water Minister Dave Kelly thanked Mrs Murphy for her contribution to the organisation.

“She has been a figurehead for efforts to secure Perth’s water supplies, for now and well into the future, at a time of climate change,” Mr Kelly said.

“Her leadership has enabled the Water Corporation to undertake a program of capital works to diversify water sources, which is the envy of many cities around the world.

“But her focus has not only been on infrastructure; Sue has encouraged the community to use their environmental spirit and reduce its water use.”

Mrs Murphy said she felt it was time for someone else to take over as the industry transformed.

“During my time as CEO, I have enjoyed working with successive governments, including the current one, to ensure our water supplies became more resilient to climate change,” she said.

“The next step of our journey is digital transformation and I feel it is time for someone else to take the reins to lead the Water Corporation through this next period.”

Water Corp said a recruitment process for a replacement will include a national search.

The organisation has seven executives, including chief financial officer Ross Hughes, who recently served as acting chief executive in Mrs Murphy’s absence.

Mike Andrews is the operations general manager, while Steve Capewell is general manager of operations services.

Other executives include customer and community general manager Catherine Ferrari and strategy and stakeholders general manager Don Johnston.