Jo Murdoch confirmed as North East Water new managing director

Ms Murdoch joins North-East Water as the replacement managing director for outgoing chief Craig Heiner after four years at executive level at Barwon Water in Geelong.

Board chair Cath Botta confirmed the appointment last week following an extensive recruitment process.

"Jo has more than 20 years of experience in the water, local government and media sectors, with the last four years as an executive at Barwon Water", she said.

"At Barwon Water, Jo was responsible for the critical strategic and service functions that strengthened customer and community experiences, trust, reputation, value and overall performance.

"The board identified her servicing of regional communities and her focus on customer engagement as major strengths in the interview process.

"We are confident that Jo has the experience to lead North East Water's evolution and will help guide the corporation through unprecedented regional growth and the impacts of climate change."

Ms Murdoch initially worked as a journalist before appointed to editor roles with the Leader group of newspapers before switching to local government communications roles.

She also operated her own consultancy business.

"It will be a great privilege to lead a skilled and talented team as it supports the health and prosperity of the region", Ms Murdoch said.

"I also look forward to engaging with local communities to continue to build trust and confidence in North East Water and the vital services it provides."

Mr Heiner leaves North-East Water on December 1 after 13 years in charge and 30 years with the organisation.

"Craig will leave behind a strong legacy including major improvements to water quality across the region, the installation of drinking water and sewer systems to our smaller towns, and changes to environmental practices that will lead to a massive reduction of the corporation's carbon footprint," Ms Botta said.

Mr Heiner joined Kiewa Valley Water Authority in 1991 as an accountant and rose through the ranks following the mergers between 1994 and 1997 when North East Water was formed.

He grew at Dederang and completed high school in Wodonga.

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