Leading water consultant Tom Mollenkopf has today become the new President of the International Water Association, taking office following his election in Lisbon, Portugal back in October 2019.
Mr. Mollenkopf, who trained as a lawyer and holds an MBA, has been a substantive and well-regarded figure in the water sector for the past 20 years.
Tom has previously been CEO of the Australian Water Association and of the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust, and worked extensively for WaterAid Australia, as well as having been IWA Deputy Executive Director from 2005-2007.
Tom takes over from Diane d’Arras, who has led IWA effectively since October 2016, including during the challenging Covid-19 situation.
IWA President Tom Mollenkopf commented:
“I am humbled and excited to take up the Presidency of IWA. I look forward to growing the scale and impact of our programs and activities to achieve our vision, of a world in which water is wisely, sustainably, and equitably managed. There is much to do - but with billions of people without access to clean water and sanitation, there are so many reasons to do it.”
IWA Executive Director Kala Vairavamoorthy added:
“We are delighted to confirm that Tom Mollenkopf has taken over as President of IWA. Tom’s experience, knowledge and contacts will be invaluable to the Association in the coming period. We look forward to working more closely with Tom as part of our efforts to secure a water-wise world.
“I would also like to thank outgoing president Diane d’Arras for her endeavours in recent years. Diane’s wisdom and skill helped IWA diversify the Association and navigate the challenging Covid-19 situation. These have enabled us to be in a strong position as we look to the future.” ”
Furthermore, there have been a number of other changes to the IWA Board. Two former Board members have been selected as new IWA Vice Presidents, namely:
- Senior Vice President - Prof. Enrique Cabrera (Valencia Polytechnic University, Spain)
- Vice President - Prof. Hamanth C. Kasan (General Manager, Rand Water, South Africa)
In addition, there have been five new additions to the IWA Board, as follows:
- Prof. Peter A. Vanrolleghem (Canada Research Chair on Water Quality Modelling, Canada)
- Walter Kling (Vienna Water, Austria)
- Dr. Rose Kaggwa (National Water & Sewerage Corporation, Uganda)
- Dr. María Molinos-Senante (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Chile)
- Prof. Xiaochang Wang (Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, China)
Four Board members are stepping down, specifically: Sudhir Murthy, Daniel Nolasco, Joan Rose, and Helle Katrine Andersen.
Kala Vairavamoorthy added:
“Many congratulations to Hamanth Kasan and Enrique Cabrera, who will make excellent IWA Vice-Presidents. A warm welcome also to the newest members of our Board, who I am sure will make invaluable additions to the team due to their diverse expertise and knowledge.
“I would also like to thank the four outgoing Board members for their commitment and support.”
The full new IWA Board can be found at: https://iwa-network.org/about-us
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About the International Water Association
The International Water Association (IWA) is a network and an international global knowledge hub open to all water professionals and anyone committed to the future of water. With its legacy of over seventy years, it connects water professionals around the world to find solutions to global water challenges as part of a broader sustainability agenda.
As a non-profit organization with a membership in more than 130 countries, the IWA connects scientists with professionals and communities so that pioneering research offers sustainable solutions. In addition, the association promotes and supports technological innovation and best practices through international frameworks and standards.
For more information, please visit www.iwa-network.org
