Executive team
Our core business activities are divided into two streams – Operations and Business Services – both headed by a General Manager reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Board of Directors which has the legislative authority to perform the functions of the organisation and is ultimately responsible for legal compliance, corporate governance and risk management.
David Hughes-Owen, BEng (Civil) AICD, GLWA
Chief Executive Officer
David is a civil engineer who has been working in the water industry for almost 30 years, joining Busselton Water in September 2023. His most recent position saw him as General Manager Service Delivery overseeing Operations, Maintenance of water and water and wastewater treatment and networks at TasWater for 3.5 years. David previously worked with Water Corporation as Head of Asset Investment Planning, and prior to that as Regional Business Manager for the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. During his twenty plus-year tenure with the Western Australian Water Corporation he delivered state-wide infrastructure growth and renewal planning and investment programs and led a diverse workforce that undertook a broad range of business, planning, operational and maintenance activities across a large geographical area. His experience covers the full gamut of industry operations, including; rural and metropolitan water source, treatment and networks, sewerage network and treatment, and urban and rural drainage conveyance systems.
Tracie Bishop, BBA, CPA
General Manager Corporate and Finance
Tracie Bishop joined Busselton Water in April 2020, bringing more than two decades’ experience in local government and the private sector, predominantly in roles with a strong focus on finance and management. She is a Chartered Practicing Accountant and has particular strengths in strategy and integrated planning, finance, governance, human resources, occupational health and safety, and environmental compliance. A proven leader, Tracie most recently held a senior management role for a regional shire, overseeing its corporate and community services division and acting as CEO when required. Outside of work, Tracie revels in her love for fitness and the outdoors, and also enjoys spending time with her family.
Murray Johnsen, BE (Civil), MIE Aust, CPEng, NER, GAICD
General Manager Operations
Murray Johnsen joined Busselton Water in 2018 bringing over forty years of state-wide engineering management and operational experience in the water industry. This includes metropolitan, regional and remote areas of WA. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer with senior leadership skills in the delivery of water, wastewater, irrigation and drainage services. His focus has included optimising operational performance and building and maintaining high calibre, motivated and effective teams.
