CIWEM announce Anna Daroy as new Chief Executive Officer.

Welcoming Anna to CIWEM, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Annie Shepperd OBE said: “I am delighted on behalf of the Trustees to welcome Anna as our new Chief Executive Officer. The Trustee Board are all looking forward to working with her and our terrific staff team at CIWEM.

There is much for us to achieve as we build and support our members and we know that in Anna, we have appointed someone with the experience, intellect and passion to help us influence change for the greater good of our country. Welcome and best wishes for your time at CIWEM.”

We asked Anna a few questions about her background and what she hopes to bring to the role.

Anna Daroy has worked in private and public sectors for over 25 years, successfully leading organisations through complex changes across multiple environments

Beginning her career in management consulting with Ernst & Young and IBM, the past 20 years have been spent in board and c-suite roles, including leading and turning around international membership not-for-profit and charities as CEO of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Institute of Directors.

Anna brings additional expertise in Digital, Risk and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), along with a genuine passion for membership organisations, the environment, and the global challenges we collectively face in managing our limited water supply.

What is your immediate impression of CIWEM and the work it does?

"I applied not only because I am passionate about membership, but I have also been concerned about our water supply – and the environment – for over a decade. My role at CIWEM will allow me to help deliver the essential changes needed in both the industry but especially at government and at a global level.

I believe the work CIWEM does is critical to encourage the growth of essential skills across the sector. It’s part of the objectives of our Royal Charter and in the current climate crisis globally, CIWEM plays an important role in both professional development and influence within policy.

The recent publication of A Fresh Water Future especially resonates with me and working towards getting the proposals of this policy framework implemented is crucial to seeing change in the UK."

How big of a role can CIWEM play in communicating best practices internationally, in your opinion?

"I believe CIWEM can help set the global standard of education, teach economies on best practice and be a supportive voice to encourage countries to set critical water and environmental standards."

Could you tell us about some of the wider work you do, including advisory roles?

"I was former Chair of the Board of Governors for Warwickshire College Group, Board Advisor of Boudicca – a governance and consulting startup – and Advisor to Magway, an eco-logistics transport startup helping to reduce CO2 levels and road traffic pollution.

I am presently Council Member of the Rural Policy Group, that influences the government on the environment, particularly in farming and the security around our food supply."

As CEO, what are your initial priorities?

"Many things, but firstly it will be to get to know the team that supports the members of CIWEM – their passion and enthusiasm are what makes us a great institution. There is always more to do.

I want to ensure we grow the institution and offer members the best experience year on year that we possibly can. I also want to work closely with our Trustees to implement a 5-year strategy that will enable CIWEM to achieve growth and work with key partners internationally.

And finally, but by no means least, it will be to ensure we are seen as the leading independent voice to government on all things water and environment."

Do you have a message for our members and partners?

"I am keen for CIWEM to be more member-focused and have members at the heart of everything we do.

I also want to reach out to our existing partners and also encourage new ones to come on the journey with us.

There is lots to do and I look forward to meeting members and being at many of our events during the year. I am especially looking forward to Flood and Coast in June, where I’ll be meeting and listening to members to hear what is important to them."