The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) announced that Barry Omundson has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Directors.
In welcoming the new CEO, WAF Board Chair, Bhavesh Kumar highlighted the rigorous merit-based selection process that led to this selection.
“With the invaluable assistance of large reputable firms like KPMG, we advertised the Chief Executive Officer position locally and globally to ensure that we found the best person to lead WAF forward,” said Mr Kumar.
“Once the suitable candidates were shortlisted, we went through a rigorous vetting process, which ultimately led to Mr Omundson being selected.”
“Barry has an extensive water-related background and has spent numerous years at Executive Management level in large organisations and has the full confidence and backing of the Board to take WAF to the next level.
Service delivery and customer satisfaction are of utmost priority to Mr Omundson.
“One of my immediate points of focus will be developing a culture of world-class service delivery. Work culture plays an important role in developing a talented workforce and finding the right direction,” said Mr Omundson.
“I have worked my way up the ranks, starting as a fitter, to leading large organisations with thousands of workers which has given me a thorough understanding of operations – from the ground up to executive management.”
“I look forward to serving Fijians to the very best of my ability, and to help fulfil WAF’s mandate – to provide safe and clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services to Fijians.”
Mr Omundson has years of experience at senior management level and has successfully led various water-related organisations including:
- CEO NQ Water.
- CEO Mackay Regional Council.
- CEO Whitsundays Regional Council.
- Director Commercial Services Mackay Regional Council.
- Executive Manager Operations at Cradle Mountain Water.
“On a more personal note, I am very impressed by Fiji and the famous Bula Smile that Fijians are known for all over the world,” Omundson said.
“I played a good deal of rugby in my younger days and was an apprentice alongside a famous Fijian international of the ’80s in Tom Mitchell so I have a good appreciation of Fijian culture and welcome the opportunity to add value where I can.”