Scott Cornish has been selected as Southern Rural Water’s new managing director following a nationwide search that attracted more than 120 applications.

Cornish has served as the utility’s general manager – asset futures for the past five years, where he led major strategic programs including Southern Rural Water’s digital transformation and long-term asset planning and investment strategy.

He brings more than 25 years of management and engineering experience across the public sector and private consulting, both internationally and throughout regional Australia.

Southern Rural Water chair Joanne Butterworth Gray said Cornish’s appointment reflects both his proven leadership and his strong understanding of the organisation and the communities it serves.

“Scott has demonstrated exceptional strategic capability, a strong commitment to our people, and a clear vision for the future of Southern Rural Water,” Butterworth Gray said.

“His leadership of our digital transformation and asset futures work has been instrumental in positioning Southern Rural Water for long-term success. The Board is confident Scott will continue to strengthen our organisation and deliver for our customers and communities.”

Cornish said he is honoured to take on the role and is looking forward to continuing to work closely with staff, customers and stakeholders across the region.

“It’s a privilege to lead an organisation with such a critical role in supporting regional communities, agriculture and industry,” Cornish said.

“I’m excited to continue working with our dedicated teams to deliver reliable services, invest in resilient infrastructure, and ensure SRW is well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Cornish officially transitioned into the managing director role on May 14.

Subscribe to Pump Industry to discover all the latest industry news, technical articles and thought-leading content from Australia’s only dedicated pump magazine.