Auckland Council has appointed Andrew Clark and Frederik Cornu to the board of Watercare Services Limited.
When looking for directors, the council sought candidates that would add financial expertise to the board, had experience of leading financial and organisational transformation, of water processing operations, and the management of a major asset portfolio and understanding of te ao Māori.
Councillor Daniel Newman chaired the selection panel, representing the Performance and Appointments Committee, and he welcomes the new appointments.
“Watercare Services is in a crucial transitional phase as we move to implement the Local Water Done Well solution for Auckland. The appointments of Andrew and Frederik will bolster the board and bring skills to the stewardship of Watercare’s intergenerational investment in infrastructure and delivery of reliable, safe and efficient water and wastewater services to Aucklanders.” says Cr Newman.
“Andrew Clark is a well-respected finance professional who brings financial nous and strong commercial experience to the board. Frederik Cornu has a wealth of international experience in the delivery of major water infrastructure and the environmentally and financially sustainable management of assets and resources.”
The appointments were approved by the Performance and Appointments Committee on 14 May and the directors will join the board from 1 June. The committee is responsible for all appointments to the boards of council-controlled organisations, in accordance with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members and the Local Government Act.
Councillor Newman said he anticipates that these could be the first of several appointments to be made to this board this year once the council has appointed a new chairperson to replace (outgoing chair) Margaret Devlin.
About Andrew Clark
Andrew has extensive leadership experience in infrastructure and supply chain, FMCG and agribusiness through senior executive roles in the port, aquaculture and dairy industries.
More than 30 years experience living and working in New Zealand, Australia, United States and Latin America, building strong collaborative relationships to empower people and deliver improved business performance, particularly in challenging environments.
As Chief Financial Officer at Port of Auckland since late 2022 he has played a significant role in the recent transformation of the Port’s performance and in developing future plans for the Port, which form part of Auckland Council’s new Long Term Plan.
Andrew has recently completed an Advanced Management Program at INSEAD business school.
About Frederik Cornu
Frederik is a senior executive and director with 27 years of work experience in public and private organizations. He is passionate about sustainability and climate. He has been involved in the development and delivery of major water, buildings, and infrastructure projects in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and since 2019, in New Zealand.
His career spans project management, business development, and general management roles with the French Government, Suez, Artelia, Bureau Veritas, KiwiRail, and WSP.
Frederik has worked on 40 major water projects involving water intakes, process, drinking and wastewater treatment plants, and networks. These projects encompass feasibility studies, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operators’ training.
He has 22 years of governance experience. Previous roles include serving as a member of the boards of the European Chamber of Commerce and the French Chamber of Commerce in China, as well as Chair of their Environment Committees.
Currently, Frederik holds positions as Vice-President and Board Member of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (FNZCCI), Executive Committee Member of the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA), and Director of Alliance Française Auckland. Additionally, he serves as the Chair of the 'Buildings & Infrastructure Committee' and co-Chair of the 'Sustainability & Climate Committee' of FNZCCI. He is also the New Zealand Planet Leader of Team for the Planet.
Frederik is a civil and structural engineer with a Master's degree with Honours (UK), a 5-year engineering degree (France), an Executive MBA (China), and a Company Directors’ Certificate (New Zealand).
