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Canberra Today 14°/17° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Shock departure: Sullivan leaves ACTEW

MARK Sullivan has stepped down as managing director of ACTEW under a “mutual agreement” with the water utility’s board.

Mark Sullivan... no longer ACTEW's managing director.
Mark Sullivan… no longer ACTEW’s managing director.
The acting chairman of the Territory-owned corporation, Michael Easson, issued a media statement this evening announcing that Mr Sullivan and the ACTEW board had “mutually agreed on a decision that he depart the water utility business”.

“I am proud to have led a capable team and to [have delivered] on every objective agreed with the Board and the Government in my role,” Mr Sullivan said in the statement.

“It was time to take stock and so the Board and I mutually agreed it was time for new leadership to take ACTEW forward.

“It is never an easy role managing major projects and hundreds of people. But the value created for Canberra has been immense and enables our city to grow well into the future. I am proud of the ACTEW workforce who have made this possible.”

Mr Easson praised the “outstanding job” done by Mr Sullivan and said he was “very proud to have been on the original Board who selected him and to have worked with one of the most capable-ever public servants”.

He also announced that John Knox, who was chief financial officer of ActewAGL until today, had been appointed Acting CEO of ACTEW.

“This move has been carefully considered,” Mr Easson said. “The Board wanted Mark to complete the major water projects and not to leave early. He has been patient with us. Mark led the process of drought-proofing Canberra with major water projects, developing a safety-first workplace culture and in inspiring ACTEW to become the premier sustainable water business in the country.”

Mr Easson said Sullivan had laid “solid foundations through the water security projects, including the Cotter Dam” and that the Board had decided to appoint a new CEO who would be “a consolidator” for ACTEW.

The acting chairman added that Knox’s term as acting CEO would be decided at the next Board meeting in March.

“John’s deep utilities expertise, leadership skills and financial acumen are ideal for this role,” said Mr Sullivan.

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