South Gippsland Water welcomes new Managing Director: Robert Murphy

Monday, May 30th, 2022

South Gippsland Water is pleased to welcome and announce the appointment of Robert Murphy as Managing Director, following Philippe du Plessis’ retirement after more than 20 years of service.

Robert commenced his role on Monday 16 May and brings a deep understanding of the water sector in Victoria. Robert started his career as an engineer working multi-nationally before moving to Australia and taking up an Executive position with Western Water, which also included nine months as Acting Managing Director.

Robert joins South Gippsland Water from his current role as Executive Director Transport Assets, Network Design and Integration in the Victorian Department of Transport and has a degree in Civil Engineering from University College Galway and an MBA from Melbourne Business School. “Having had two years out of the water industry and working in transport, I will enjoy working in the industry again.  I look forward to seeing familiar faces and rekindling professional relationships”, Robert says.

Robert and his family have a close connection to the region, enjoying regular holidays in Inverloch, and a close family connection, through his wife, Kathleen, to farming in the Leongatha district. He says, “ever since we moved to Australia from Ireland, we’ve been regular visitors to South Gippsland and Bass Coast for about ten years. Our kids, Conor, Niall and Niamh, have many local friends and are looking forward to their new home”.