SA Water has appointed John Penicud as its new General Manager of Operations and Maintenance.
Penicud joins SA Water from the United Kingdom, where he has worked across water and energy utilities in senior operational and leadership roles.
His appointment brings international utility experience into a local operating environment defined by South Australia’s large service area, dry climate and essential water infrastructure.
SA Water Chief Executive David Ryan said the appointment strengthens the organisation’s operational leadership at a time of growth.
“John brings deep operational experience from large and complex utility environments, along with a strong focus on safety, people and environmental outcomes,” Ryan said.
“His leadership will support our teams as we continue to operate and maintain infrastructure that is essential to communities across a vast and diverse state.”
What experience does Penicud bring?
Penicud most recently served as Managing Director of Wastewater at Southern Water, one of the United Kingdom’s largest water utilities. Southern Water provides services to about 4.7 million customers across the south coast of England.
In that role, Penicud was responsible for the performance of more than 300 wastewater treatment plants. He also managed the reuse of about 1.4 billion litres of wastewater every day.
His responsibilities covered operations, maintenance, long-term planning and major investment programs focused on environmental outcomes and population growth. He led large teams across operations, maintenance, engineering, science and capital delivery, supported by a significant contractor workforce.
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Why does global experience matter locally?
SA Water operates in a very different landscape from that of the United Kingdom. South Australia’s climate, geography and dispersed communities create a distinct operating challenge for water and wastewater services.
Penicud said the scale and diversity of SA Water’s operations were a strong drawcard.
“I am fascinated by the challenge of supporting infrastructure to such a large, diverse area, at a time of growth and expansion,” Penicud said. “South Australia is considerably drier than the UK, so also of particular interest is the opportunity to oversee the desalination plants and water reuse schemes.”
That contrast gives the appointment its local relevance.
Penicud’s UK experience covers large-scale operational systems, environmental performance and transformation programs.
At SA Water, that experience will be applied to a network serving 1.8 million customers across South Australia.
What will the role involve?
As General Manager of Operations and Maintenance, Penicud will help lead the teams responsible for keeping water and sewerage services operating across SA Water’s statewide network.
SA Water invests about $300 million a year to sustain and enhance that network.
The organisation said the investment supports South Australia’s social and economic development while maintaining safe, clean water and dependable sewerage services.
Penicud also brings experience in transformation programs, contract reform and efficiency initiatives.
SA Water said that experience has included improving reliability, safety and customer outcomes while maintaining environmental management.
How will safety shape his leadership?
Safety and culture are central to Penicud’s leadership approach.
The media release highlighted his focus on frontline capability and continuous improvement.
“An uncompromising approach to health and safety should always be, in my view, fundamental to leading teams of any size,” Penicud said. “Clearly safety is a central focus, ensuring we do the right job means that it must be done safely and there cannot be compromise on this.”
What are his early priorities?
Penicud commenced with SA Water on 29 June.
He said his early priorities include learning more about South Australia and working closely with teams across the organisation.
“My priorities in SA Water are to understand the land and heritage of the state and how this has then shaped the evolution of the infrastructure to support it,” Penicud said. “In addition, I’m looking forward to seeing the teams work together to build and operate this essential critical infrastructure that is key to life.”
