Following an extensive recruitment process, Yarra Valley Water Board has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director.
Current Yarra Valley Water Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Natalie Foeng, will take up the position on 1 July 2025.
Yarra Valley Water Chair, Gabrielle Bell, said that as a highly experienced CFO and Executive, Ms Foeng has the right skills and experience to take Yarra Valley Water forward – with a blend of strong financial, commercial and risk management expertise, and proven track record in driving sustainable business performance across corporate and utility environments.
Ms Foeng has been Chief Financial Officer and an integral member of the Yarra Valley Water Executive team for seven years and is a highly respected and trusted leader in the water industry.
Prior to joining Yarra Valley Water she was the General Manager for Global Finance Shared Services with Telstra and has previously held executive and senior roles at Pacific Brands and PwC. Ms Foeng has also served as an independent member of the Department of Education and Training’s Risk and Audit Committee since 2021.
“The Board is delighted to announce and welcome Natalie to the role of Managing Director,” Ms Bell said.
“In an outstanding field of candidates, the Board has appointed Natalie to take the organisation forward.
“She is an exceptional leader who impressed the Board with her passionate commitment to Yarra Valley Water and her vision to transform the way we plan, operate and continually improve our performance to deal with the challenges of climate change, population growth and social and technological disruption.”
“Natalie stood out with her strong financial and commercial acumen and risk management expertise, genuine focus on customers, her success in building stakeholder relationships, and her track record in collaborating with the wider Victorian water sector to lead key agendas.”
Ms Foeng said she was delighted with the appointment.
“I am honoured to take up this role in an organisation that I’m so proud to be a part of, and to build on our strong foundations to lead us into the future,” Ms Foeng said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to drive and build on the constructive culture and customer focus we’re renowned for, while collaborating across the sector and ensuring we keep maturing the ways we nurture the environment, honour and heal Country and achieve equity for future generations by making sound, far-sighted decisions in the present.”
Ms Foeng will be Yarra Valley Water’s first female Managing Director, and her leadership will build on the strong legacy left by outgoing Managing Director, Pat McCafferty.
Ms Bell thanked Mr McCafferty for his 11 years of service as Managing Director, preceded by 19 years at Yarra Valley Water and including various executive roles.
“Pat’s leadership has left an indelible stamp on Yarra Valley Water and the wider water industry, and we know he’s as excited as we are to welcome the next era of leadership excellence that Natalie will bring,” Ms Bell said.
Image: Yarra Valley Water’s new MD, Natalie Foeng. Image: Yarra Valley Water
