Melbourne Water appoints first female MD

Dr Di Lorenzo joined Melbourne Water in July 2019 as the executive general manager of service delivery and has played a critical role in reshaping the organisation. 

Prior to her position at Melbourne Water, Di Lorenzo held the title of chief executive officer at City of Moreland. 

She holds engineering qualifications, is vastly experienced in asset management, and has worked in the highly complex processing environment of the oil sector. 

According to Melbourne Water’s chair, Prof. John Thwaits, Dr Di Lorenzo was an outstanding appointment with exceptional qualifications, and the board looks forward to working closely with her through the next phase of the utility’s history. 

“In her time at Melbourne Water, the Board has been thoroughly impressed by Dr Di Lorenzo’s leadership, skills and ability to drive customer outcomes in a collaborative way,” Thwaites said.

“This historic appointment – the first female managing director in the organisation’s 130 history – builds on previous appointments of women to senior roles in the organisation.”

Di Lorenzo said she was proud to be appointed Melbourne Water’s next managing director 

“I’m particularly excited about forging stronger relationships with our customers and delivery partners, especially Traditional Owners,” said Di Lorenzo. 

“The sector is facing big challenges including long term water security, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, improving the health of our rivers and catchments and making greater Melbourne an even better place to live. 

“We can only meet these challenges by working hand in hand with our customers and the community.”

Di Lorenzo succeeds Michael Wandmaker, who had been the company’s MD since 2014 and will step down from the role on 30 November. 

Thwaites thanks Wandmaker for his dedication and achievements over the last seven years.