The South East Water Board has announced the extension of Lara Olsen’s tenure as Managing Director until December 2025.
The utility said that under Ms Olsen’s leadership, South East Water is poised for another important year delivering healthy water for life for customers, community and environment.
Beyond that, South East Water also announced that Ms Olsen has decided to transition to the next phase of her career by establishing a non-executive board portfolio.
South East Water Chair, Lynn Warneke, acknowledged Ms Olsen’s leadership since her appointment as Managing Director in 2019.
“Lara is an outstanding leader who has made a substantial contribution to South East Water and the community we serve. She will continue to lead the organisation until the end of 2025,” Ms Warneke said.
“Lara is highly regarded throughout the water industry for her innovative approach to essential service delivery, making the most of technological innovation to deliver better services for our customers, our community and the environment.
“At South East Water, we’re here 24/7 for the 1.8 million people in our service area. We’re proud of our outstanding record delivering healthy water and wastewater services, as well as the role we play to support social, economic and environmental prosperity in Melbourne’s southeast.
“The Board looks forward to continuing to work with Lara in the year ahead.”
Ms Olsen announced the extension in a post to LinkedIn on 31 January 2025.
“I love working at South East Water and with the broader water industry, however I am keen for the next phase of my career to look at broader sector strategies through being a Director – and feel that the end of this year is the right time for that transition,” she said.
“I’m excited for the year ahead at South East Water, working with our organisation to continue to create a more sustainable future for our customers, community and the environment.
“I feel very grateful to be part of the water sector and to experience the sector’s commitment to serving the community, the dedication of our people, the positive impact we have on customers and the way we embrace innovation and digital transformation. I continue to learn so much from the people within the water sector.
“I’m looking forward to a great 2025. I work with a fantastic team – here in South East Water and in the broader sector – and I’m excited about what we can continue to achieve together.”
