Kris Peach (pictured) has been appointed to the Board of Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) - Australia’s largest rural water corporation.
Ms Peach is one of 54 new board appointments to Victoria’s 18 water corporations and nine Catchment Management Authorities announced by Minister for Water Lisa Neville on Thursday.
Ms Peach is from Melbourne and has more than 30 years’ experience as a finance, accounting, audit and regulatory expert.
Ms Peach is:
- a former chair and CEO of the Australian Accounting Standards Board
- former KPMG audit partner
- director of Permanent Care and Adoptive Families
- an independent member of the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Ms Peach takes over from former director Ari Suss, who has been on the GMW Board since 1 October 2015.
Mr Suss has been appointed to the Board of Yarra Valley Water.
“GMW congratulates Ari on his appointment to the Board of Yarra Valley Water. We thank him for the contribution of his strong commercial skillset to the GMW Board over the past six years,” GMW Board chairman Diane James AM said.
Women now comprise six of GMW’s 10 directors. They include Ms Peach, Ms James AM, Alana Johnson AM, Margaret O’Rourke, Margot Henty and managing director Charmaine Quick.
Filling out the board are Pat McNamara (deputy chairman), Jonathan Koop, David McKenzie and Dennis Quinn. Ms James AM said it was pleasing to almost all directors were re-appointed to the board.
“This is a show of confidence from the Minister in GMW’s leadership and governance going forward,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming Kris to our board in October. She has extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies, policies and processes for organisations, including managing risk, corporate governance and compliance.
“Kris will also bring strong financial and strategic skills from her 28 years with KPMG.”
Minister Neville said board members would be responsible for guiding Victoria’s water organisations through challenges such as climate change, a growing population, bushfire readiness and COVID-19 response.
The selection process was overseen by an independent panel, which for the first time included an Aboriginal Victorian – Seona James – a proud Yorta Yorta woman. GMW board profiles can be found at www.gmwater.com.au