Search begins for new CEO

A NATIONAL search has begun for the next Chief Executive Officer of Tasmanian Irrigation after current CEO Andrew Kneebone announced he will retire next year. 

Tasmanian Irrigation chair Kate Vinot said during six years with Tasmanian Irrigation, Mr Kneebone has led the company through significant change and leaves it in a strong position to execute its 10-year Strategic Plan. 

“Andrew oversaw a period of change and growth for the company, stabilising the team and maturing Tasmanian Irrigation as a business,” she said. 

“Under Andrew’s leadership, Tasmanian Irrigation has secured funding for vital irrigation projects and ensured delivery of fit-for-purpose infrastructure right across Tasmania that will serve farming communities, and the State, for the next century.” 

Ms Vinot said in addition, Mr Kneebone has set a path to transition Tasmanian Irrigation from being primarily a construction business, to primarily a water delivery business with a strong focus on efficiency and effectiveness. 

“As part of that, Tasmanian Irrigation now works closely with the Irrigator Representative Committees that exist on all directly-managed schemes, to ensure cost-effective water delivery every season and longevity of the asset base,” she said. 

Mr Kneebone has more than 25 years in the irrigation, urban water and electricity utility sectors, including executive positions at Cradle Mountain Water and Territory Generation in Darwin. 

He started at Tasmanian Irrigation as General Manager Water Delivery in June 2018, acted in the CEO role from November 2018 and was appointed CEO May 2019. 

“We are a small but passionate team and I feel privileged to have led such a great group of people,” Mr Kneebone said. 

“I have no intention of slowing down over the next nine months and look forward to leaving this company in safe hands to guide it through its next phase.” 

Mr Kneebone will step down in May 2025