Executive Management Group

Barry Dennien

Chief Executive Officer

Formerly the Executive Director of Regional Planning and Policy for the Queensland Water Commission, Barry was responsible for the Water for today, water for tomorrow – South East Queensland Water Strategy, draft 2008 and system operation plans for the SEQ Water Grid.

Barry has 25 years’ experience in water industry operations and planning, and a successful track record of managing commercial enterprises in the tourism, construction and primary industry sectors.

Dan Spiller

Director of Operations

Dan joined the SEQ Water Grid Manager team as the Director of Operations in July 2010, from his previous role as the acting Executive Director of the Queensland Water Commission. Dan was the principal author of the South East Queensland Water Strategy and was directly responsible for policy and communications regarding the development and use of purified recycled water schemes in South East Queensland.

Dan has previously been involved in infrastructure planning and assessment at Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Competition Authority and the Office of Urban Management. He holds a Master of Professional Economics, Master of Urban and Regional Planning and Bachelor of Built Environment.

Elaina Smouha

Director of Governance and Regulatory Compliance

Elaina joined the SEQ Water Grid Manager in August 2009. Her previous roles have given her a broad range of legal experience having worked as a lawyer in private practice in the areas of water, construction, mining, government, professional negligence and personal injury.

Elaina holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Business from Griffith University.

Michael Lyons

Director of SEQ Water Grid Communications

Michael has wide experience in corporate affairs management and strategic communication both here in Australia and internationally. A former national award winning journalist, Michael also has post graduate qualifications in business and has served on a number of advisory Boards.

Michael joined the SEQ Water Grid in August 2010 after working for one of Australia’s biggest mining, engineering and water infrastructure companies.

Joanne Collins

Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Joanne joined the SEQ Water Grid Manager in November 2010 bringing 20 years management experience in business consulting, corporate governance and financial management from a range of industries. Joanne has received a commendation from the Auditor-General for financial reform of local government, and was also recognised as Qld CPA of the Year for the corporatisation of Wide Bay Water Corporation, Queensland’s first local government owned water corporation.

Joanne has been a university lecturer and provided specialist advice on corporatisation and financial reform nationally and internationally.

Scott Denner

Director of Risk and Technology

Scott joined the SEQ Water Grid Manager team in July 2009. His previous roles, including Head of Department (Security, Risk and Compliance) for G4S in London, have seen him gain extensive knowledge across areas including risk management, business continuity management and business process improvement.

Scott is a Graduate of the Royal Military College and is a Certified Practising Risk Manager. Scott holds a Bachelor of Management and Professional Studies and an Associate Diploma of Personnel Administration.