After an extensive recruitment process, the South East Water board has announced the appointment of a new managing director.
Carla Purcell will take up the position on Monday 18 August 2025, taking over from outgoing managing director Lara Olsen.
With a proven track record in delivering safe and reliable essential services that put customers first, the utility said Ms Purcell has the right skills and experience to lead the next phase of South East Water’s evolution as a customer-led digital water utility.
Before joining South East Water, Ms Purcell held chief executive officer and chief operations officer positions at Yarra Trams. She holds degrees in law and commerce from Deakin University.
South East Water chair Lynn Warneke said thar Ms Purcell has an impressive track record as a strategic, people-focused leader in complex infrastructure where customer service and safety is paramount.
“In a competitive field of candidates, the board was impressed by Carla’s strong focus on operational excellence and managing stakeholder interests to deliver exceptional services and outcomes for South East Water’s customers and communities,” Ms Warneke said.
“She has the right mix of skills to position our organisation for future success as we continue to transform the way we operate to respond to a changing climate and population growth.”
Ms Purcell said she is delighted to be appointed.
“I’m excited to start as managing director leading the team to support almost 1.9 million customers with essential water services across Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula,” she said.
“After leading the team at Yarra Trams, moving more than 500,000 people across Melbourne every day, to now, providing water services, I’ve always been driven by my passion for delivering safe and reliable services that put customers first, while being part of shaping Victoria’s water sector.”
Ms Warneke also thanked Ms Olsen for her five years of service as managing director.
“Lara will depart South East Water having established a strong organisational culture and reputation as an innovative, customer-led digital utility,” she said.
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