Sydney Water’s search for a new Managing Director has come to an end, with one of the water sector’s most outstanding leaders set to guide the utility into a new era.
The search for the perfect candidate to lead Australia’s largest water utility kicked off in March 2025, following the departure of former Managing Director, Roch Cheroux.
But, it turns out the utility didn’t need to look very far at all, and Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary, has emerged as the clear candidate to lead Sydney Water.
Mr Cleary will begin in the role from 17 November 2025, bringing with him a new era of strategic planning and delivery for Sydney Water.
The New South Wales Government said that it is icommitted to building a sustainable future for our water systems and keeping Sydney Water in public hands.
As one of the state’s most important publicly owned utilities, the State Government said that Sydney Water will continue to deliver essential services from every household and business across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra. And with proven success in operational excellence and environmental stewardship, Mr Cleary emerged as the clear candidate to lead Sydney Water in this important role.
Mr Cleary brings decades of experiences in the water utility sector, including more than ten years in executive leadership.
As Managing Director of Hunter Water since 2020, Mr Cleary has successfully improved water security for the region through investment in the Belmont Desalination plant, creation of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan and delivery of a $1 billion capital program.
Hunter Water congratulated Mr Cleary his appointment, and Hunter Water Board Chair, Elizabeth Crouch, said Mr Cleary’s appointment is fitting recognition by the Government of his leadership in the water industry in New South Wales.
“Darren has made an outstanding contribution to Hunter Water and our region since becoming Managing Director in 2020,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
New South Wales Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, said she was thrilled to announce the with the appointment of Mr Cleary, and she looks forward to watching Sydney Water 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,” she said.
“I’d also like to thank Paul Plowman who has been Acting Chief Executive since March for his service.”
Sydney Water Board Chair, Niall Blair, also welcomed Mr Cleary’s appointment.
“After a comprehensive recruitment process, the board was excited to recommend Darren Cleary to Minister Jackson for appointment as CEO,” Mr Blair said.
“He was stand out 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 New South Wales, 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.
“The board also appreciates and thanks Paul Plowman for his dedication and efforts as acting CEO.”
Mr Cleary will conclude his role at Hunter Water on Friday 24 October, and commence with Sydney Water in November 2025.
Hunter Water’s Board of Directors has initiated a recruitment process for a new Managing Director and has appointed Jennifer Hayes as the organisation’s Acting Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Hayes brings a wealth of experience to the Acting Chief Executive Officer role with more than seven years with Hunter Water as its Executive Manager, Finance and Business Performance, and previously across a range of sectors including primary health, fast moving consumer goods and regional development.
