Hunter Water has congratulated its Managing Director, Darren Cleary, on his appointment as the new leader of Sydney Water. The move represents a positive transition for the state’s water sector, with Cleary bringing a proven record of leadership and community commitment to his new role.
Chair of Hunter Water’s Board, Elizabeth Crouch AM, said the appointment is a fitting recognition of Cleary’s contribution to the Hunter and to water management in New South Wales.
“Darren has made an outstanding contribution to Hunter Water and our region since becoming Managing Director in 2020,” Crouch said.
She acknowledged his legacy across several landmark initiatives.
“He has overseen the development and implementation of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, the recent IPART pricing process, commenced construction of the Belmont Desalination Plant, and guided the organisation in responding to drought, flood, and emerging issues like PFAS,” Crouch said.
“Darren’s extraordinary achievements as Managing Director provide a significant positive legacy that positions Hunter Water strongly for the future. It is a bittersweet moment for Hunter Water as we farewell Darren, but we thank him for his great service to the community in the Hunter. We are extremely proud that his leadership has been recognised with this important appointment to Sydney Water,” Crouch said.
Cleary will conclude his role at Hunter Water on 24 October before commencing as Sydney Water’s Managing Director in November.
NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson was thrilled to announce Cleary’s appointment and is looking forward to seeing how Sydney Water will thrive under his leadership.
“As a trusted public face with a wealth of experience, the future of Sydney Water as a reliable, sustainable, customer-focused organisation is in good hands with Darren,” Jackson said. “I’d also like to thank Paul Plowma, who has been Acting Chief Executive since Marc, for his service.”
To ensure continuity, Hunter Water’s Board has appointed Jennifer Hayes as Acting Chief Executive Officer while a formal recruitment process is underway. Hayes has more than seven years’ experience with Hunter Water as Executive Manager, Finance and Business Performance, and has also held leadership roles in consumer goods, health care, education and regional development.
Her appointment was welcomed as an opportunity to maintain stability and momentum through the leadership transition, as Hunter Water continues to deliver essential services for the region.
“After a comprehensive recruitment process, the board was excited to recommend Darren Cleary to Minister Jackson for appointment as CEO,” Sydney Water Chair, the Hon Niall Blair, said. He was a standout candidate amongst a very high-calibre field of applicants. As a former employee of Sydney Water, Darren is no stranger to our organisation, and we warmly welcome him back. With a decade of executive leadership in the water sector in NSW, he joins us at a critical time as we embark on our extensive capital infrastructure program and continue to deliver on the needs of our 5.4 million customers who rely on our water services every day.
With Cleary stepping into a pivotal role at Sydney Water and Hayes providing steady leadership at Hunter Water, the announcement marks a proud and celebratory moment for both organisations and the communities they serve.