Gillian is Chief Executive of Water New Zealand, the industry body promoting the sustainable management and development of the water environment, particularly the three waters – drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.

Water New Zealand’s membership is made up of around 3300 decisionmakers and technologists from local and central government, industry, the academic and research communities, consultants and service/equipment and supply organisations. It works closely with members and partners to support Te Mana o te Wai and the Treaty of Waitangi.

Prior to joining Water New Zealand in 2020, Gillian worked as Head of Strategy and Regulatory Affairs for Meridian Energy – one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest listed companies. Over the years Gillian has participated in many sector advisory groups covering retail, wholesale, transmission, and climate action matters.

Gillian’s introduction to Aotearoa New Zealand was with London Economics and the Wholesale Electricity Market Development Group in 1994. Subsequently, she worked for ECNZ as a member of their team working on the NZEM industry self-governance rules.

Gillian has a BSc Economics and MSc in Natural Resource & Environmental Economics from University College London. Gillian is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.