Water Corporation Announces Board Refresh: Premji and Pratt Appointed as Non‑Executive Directors
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In a strategic move to strengthen governance, Western australia’s water Corporation has named two seasoned leaders as Non‑Executive Directors. Neema Premji and Louise Pratt bring decades of experience in governance, infrastructure, public policy, and community leadership to teh board.
Premji, a civil engineer by training, has more than 25 years in infrastructure, utilities, mining and government-facing enterprises. She currently serves on the Audit and Risk Committee of the Department of Local government, Sport and cultural Industries and is recognized for expertise in financial and asset management, strategic planning, and corporate governance.
Pratt, a prominent advocate for social outcomes and communications specialist, has spent twenty years in community, government and parliamentary roles. She has served in both chambers of state and federal parliament, most recently as a Western Australian senator.During her parliamentary tenure, she chaired the Senate Finance and Public Management Legislation Committee, among other duties.
The appointments are for three years, reinforcing the board’s commitment to capable leadership and robust oversight. The move comes as Deputy Chair Helen Creed steps down from the board effective 31 December 2025,with a successor to be announced in due course.
Concurrent with these changes, Water Corporation Chief Executive Officer Pat Donovan will complete his tenure on the board. His CEO term was renewed in 2023 for five years, and he was appointed Executive Director for a two-year period to ensure continuity during the leadership transition. He will continue to serve as CEO.
Comments from the Water Minister underscored the meaning of the appointments. Minister Don Punch highlighted that Premji’s governance and infrastructure expertise, alongside Pratt’s parliamentary experience and community advocacy, will strengthen the board’s capacity to deliver for the community. He also noted the government’s ongoing commitment to increasing female representation on government boards and thanked outgoing Deputy Chair Creed for her leadership and service.
| Aspect | Details |
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| New Directors | |
| Term Length | |
| Deputy Chair | |
| CEO Status | |
| Minister’s Note |
These changes underscore a broader push to align Water Corporation’s leadership with governance best practices and inclusive representation, aiming to bolster accountability and community service across WA’s water sector.
What this means for the public is clearer oversight, continuity in leadership during the transition, and renewed focus on delivering reliable services across the community.
Evergreen takeaways
Board refreshes of public utilities frequently enough aim to blend sector expertise with diverse perspectives. Fresh appointments can enhance risk management, strategic planning, and stakeholder trust, especially when paired with a clear succession and continuity strategy.
Two questions for readers
1) In your view, what governance qualities matter most for a public utility board during periods of transition?
2) How meaningful is it to have greater female representation on government boards, and why?
Share your thoughts and stay tuned for further updates as the board transition unfolds.
What does the message “I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that” mean?
: refuse.I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
