OUR WATER LEADERS

Neal has more than 35 years' global business experience across a diverse range of industries, based in the USA, UK, Europe, Asia and ANZ. Over the past 15 years, he has held several Executive General Manager roles whihc have involved overseeing the delivery, safety and financial outcomes of large project and contract portfolios.

Neal took the role of EGM Water in 2023, returning to Downer after 10 years, having previously been EGM Passenger Services and EGM Sales & Innovation in Downer's Rail business. In between these roles, he spent six yeras as EGM Operational Excellence at Transfield/Broadspectrum/Ventia. Through his career, Neal has also held executive roles in organisations such as Qantas, ResMed Ltd, PwC and Harman International.

As well as being 'Lean Six Sigma' trained, he holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Sheffield Hallam University) and a Master of Commerce (University of New England). Neal lives on an acreage in the foothills of the Blue Mountains with his partner Joanna, where he enjoys the weekends growing his own vegetables and fruit as well as bushwalking.

Here is what Neal shared when asked why he supports Walk for Water and chose to become a Water Leader.

"Leading the Downer ANZ Water business has been both a challenging and rewarding experience, highlighting just how reliable our water assets are in Australia and New Zealand. But with that reliability often comes complacency - it's easy to forget that many communities globally don't have the same access. Walk for Water is a powerful way to bring this value conversation to the forefront. Water is a life-sustaining, precious resource, and I look forward to standing with WaterAid and Walk for Water Leaders to help realise our shared goal of delivering safe and sustainable services and infrastructure to connect communities and enable them to thrive."

Joining in 2021 as Executive General Manager of our Southern region, Richard now leads Interflow as CEO.

Throughout his career, Richard has been committed to creating environments where people and teams can be their best.

As a leader in the water industry, he has a deep understanding of how water infrastructure creates the foundation for people to realise their full potential economically, socially and educationally. He is passionate about developing people, building strong partnerships and ensuring Interflow continues to create the future of water for generations to come.

Here is what Richard shared when asked why he supports Walk for Water and chose to become a Water Leader.

"Here at Interflow, we believe every community should have access to clean water and decent sanitation. That’s why Walk for Water is one of the highlights of our year. Not only is it an opportunity for our people to become healthier, stronger and more connected, but it allows us to make real, lasting impacts that improve peoples’ lives for generations."

As General Manager of Strategy and Stakeholder at South East Water, Karen Lau leads a portfolio that encompasses strategy, regulation, water resources, marketing, communications and engagement. She’s an experienced water industry professional who’s passionate about the vital role of water and sanitation in thriving, healthy and prosperous communities.

Karen’s career spans senior executive leadership roles across the Victorian Public Sector, including as Executive Director at the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action and at the Victorian Public Sector Commission. Karen has led strategic initiatives in water and land management, waste and recycling, biodiversity, environment protection and climate action, as well as policy and projects at the Department of Human Services. 

Here is what Karen shared when asked why she supports Walk for Water and chose to become a Water Leader.

"As we come together again for Walk for Water 2026, South East Water is proud to stand alongside our community in support of a future where everyone, everywhere has access to safe water and sanitation.

Our employees are passionate about supporting resilient, thriving communities and delivering healthy water for life alongside WaterAid Australia.

Walk for Water is always a timely reminder of the millions of people, especially women and girls, who collect water each day for their families.

South East Water is committed to doing our part to help safely provide clean water and sanitation to people around the world."

Denisha has been in the water industry for over a decade, in a variety of senior leadership and Executive roles across a range of portfolios. Prior to the water industry, Denisha worked in professional services, telecommunications and the higher education sector. Denisha is currently the Executive General Manager of Customer Experience at Sydney Water.

Denisha is passionate about the water industry and water’s role in improving the lives of the customers and communities it serves. Denisha has extended this commitment to improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene globally, through her support of WaterAid over the last eight years - first as an Executive sponsor of one of Sydney Water’s Winnovator teams, then as an Ambassador to the NSW WaterAid Committee, and now as a Non-Executive Director of WaterAid Australia since 2022. Denisha visited Cambodia in 2024 to witness first-hand the transformative power of the systems strengthening work that WaterAid does in Cambodia.

This will be Denisha’s 5th year participating in Walk for Water and this is why Denisha supports this initiative as a Water Leader:

"At Sydney Water, everything we do is about creating a better life for our customers through world class water services. However, across the world there is a water and sanitation crisis that keeps hundreds of millions of children out of school, adults out of work and traps people in poverty. If we solve this crisis, we can provide these communities with the hope and the power to change their future.

The one hour of walking, riding or cycling each day for one week as part of WaterAid’s Walk for Walk represents the daily reality endured by millions around the world to access their closest water source. It’s something tangible and healthy we can do to raise much needed funds for underprivileged communities.

For less than $10,000 we can give school students in Papua New Guinea access to clean water and handwashing facilities by installing a rainwater tank and tap stands at a school. For $50,000, we can help a whole village access a sustainable clean water system. These are life-changing projects for entire communities. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live healthy and dignified lives."

With over 20 years of experience in the water industry, Francois is a former: Director and President of the Australian Water Association, Director of WaterAid and chair of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s Water Taskforce. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Engineers Australia.

At the forefront, Francois is dedicated to supporting organisations like WaterAid that promote positive solutions to ensure everyone worldwide has access to clean water and sanitation. He never misses an opportunity to engage, which is why he's taking part in this year's Walk for Water event. He is also a passionate advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which he often highlights at industry events.

"It’s always a privilege to support the fantastic work of WaterAid, and I’m looking forward to joining this year’s ‘Walk for Water’ with some of my TRILITY colleagues, friends, and family."

Gillian Blythe is Chief Executive of Water New Zealand – the country’s largest water industry body with more than 3,500 water sector professional and corporate members.

Prior to joining Water New Zealand in 2020, Gillian’s career was focused on the electricity sector.

Originally from the UK, Gillian studied at the University College London where she attained a bachelors degree in economics, followed by a Masters in environmental economics which considered the ‘marginal cost of carbon constraints”. Gillian worked as an economic consultant focusing on the electricity markets often with an environmental lens, as well as major energy reforms in the Former Soviet Union. She then came to Aotearoa New Zealand in the mid 1990s to work on electricity reform, and then in senior roles at the country’s biggest electricity generator retailer, Meridian Energy.

But it was an easy transition to water and the opportunities to be part of a water community making a difference in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is an exciting time to be working in water and to be focused on valuing and looking after this precious resource, or taonga (treasure), as wai (water) is often referred to Aotearoa.

For Gillian, joining WaterAid Australia is a natural progression, 

"Water issues are global issues and there are huge challenges facing the entire planet and many communities locked out of opportunities because of lack of access to basic necessities such as safe drinking water and sanitation. As a water leader, I'm motivated to support any efforts to increase access to water for deprived people across the world and to improve quality of life. Walking for water is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved.

In a personal connection to water, one of my favourite leisure activities is walking or running around Wellington’s magnificent harbour."

Brian Krishna is a seasoned water-sector leader with more than 25 years of experience across Australia's east and west coasts. As Managing Director of Xylem Australia & New Zealand, he brings authentic, positive leadership and a strong commitment to innovation, education and solving water challenges. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Brian works to attract young people into the water industry and empower them to become future leaders. Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and father of three who enjoys beach holidays, bush walks, and time spent outdoors with his family and Cavoodle Daisy!

Here is what Brian shared when asked why he supports Walk for Water and chose to become a Water Leader.

"Xylem’s vision is that water is essential to life. And our life’s work is water. We devote our technology, time and talent to advance the smarter use of water. We look to a future where global water issues do not exist. We hope that by joining the Walk for Water we can bring more awareness to the challenges faced around the globe.

I am proud to be a Water Leader as I am inspired daily by the challenge of solving our water challenges, and am passionate about bringing education and technology to many communities."

Nat is the Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water, one of Australia’s largest water utilities, providing water and sanitation services to 2M people across Melbourne. With over two decades of experience, Nat brings purpose-led leadership across finance, infrastructure, sustainability, and community impact - driving meaningful outcomes for both people and the planet.

Here is what Nat shared when asked why she supports Walk for Water and chose to become a Water Leader.

"I'm proud to be joining Walk for Water as a Water Leader.

Every day at Yarra Valley Water, we're privileged to provide safe, affordable adn reliable water and sanitation to our community. It's something many of us can take for granted, but we know it's life changing.

The United Nations recognises access to safe water and sanitation as a fundamental human right. It's essential for people's health and wellbeing, supports education and livelihoods, and holds deep cultural significance through people's connection to Country.

Yet for millions of people around the world, this basic right remains out of reach, with many still walking long distances every day to collect water for their families. Walk for Water is a powerful reminder that where you live should never determine whether you have access to safe water. By walking together, we can raise awareness, stand with communities around the world and help create lasting change."