Water Corporation has announced two new non-executive appointments to its Board, reinforcing governance capability and strategic oversight during a period of planned leadership transition.
Neema Premji and Louise Pratt have joined the Board for three-year terms, bringing complementary expertise across infrastructure, financial oversight, public policy and community engagement.
Their appointments come as Deputy Chair Helen Creed stepped down from the Board effective December 31, 2025, with a new Deputy Chair to be announced in due course.
The changes form part of a broader refresh aimed at maintaining continuity while strengthening the Board’s skills mix as Water Corporation navigates long-term infrastructure delivery, climate risk and customer expectations.
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Infrastructure and financial expertise
Premji is a civil engineer and highly experienced non-executive director and independent chair, with more than 25 years of experience across infrastructure, utilities, mining and government trading enterprises. Her background includes expertise in financial and asset management, strategic planning and corporate governance.
She currently serves on the Audit and Risk Committee for the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, adding further public-sector oversight experience to the Board.
Water Minister Don Punch said Premji’s appointment would strengthen governance depth. “Ms Premji brings exceptional expertise in governance and infrastructure,” Punch said.
Public policy and community insight
Pratt brings two decades of experience spanning community advocacy, communications and parliamentary leadership. She has served in both State and Federal Parliaments, most recently as a Senator for Western Australia.
During her time in the Australian Parliament, Pratt undertook extensive committee work, including serving as Chair of the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee. Her experience is expected to support Water Corporation’s engagement with stakeholders, regulators and the broader community.
Punch said Pratt’s background would add a different dimension to Board deliberations. “Ms Pratt’s distinguished parliamentary career and social advocacy will strengthen the ability of Water Corporation to deliver for the community,” he said.
Managing leadership transition
The Board refresh also coincides with the conclusion of Chief Executive Officer Pat Donovan’s tenure as an executive director. Donovan was appointed to the Board for a two-year term in 2023 to provide continuity during a leadership transition, alongside the renewal of his CEO contract for a further five years. He remains in the CEO role.
Outgoing Deputy Chair Helen Creed stepped down from the Board on December 31, 2025, after a period of service that spanned significant operational and strategic challenges for the utility.
Punch acknowledged her contribution. “I also want to thank outgoing Deputy Chair Helen Creed for her leadership and service during her tenure,” he said.
Board composition and representation
The appointments of Premji and Pratt also increase female representation on the Water Corporation Board, aligning with state government objectives to improve diversity across government boards.
As water utilities face increasing pressures linked to population growth, climate variability and long-term infrastructure renewal, board composition and governance capability are becoming increasingly central to maintaining service reliability and public confidence.