SA Water appoints experienced tech exec as new CIO

SA Water has appointed experienced technology executive Bill Le Blanc as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO) and General Manager of Technology, commencing in the role on 1 June 2026.

Bill joins SA Water after serving in the position on an interim basis and brings more than 3 decades of leadership experience across critical infrastructure, healthcare, higher education and utilities.

Throughout his career, he has been drawn to organisations with a strong community purpose, having previously held CIO roles at SA Health, the University of South Australia and ElectraNet.

Bill said SA Water’s role in delivering an essential service to South Australians strongly aligns with his personal values and professional experience.

“At this stage of my career, purpose matters,” he said.

“I’ve deliberately chosen to work in organisations that serve their communities, and SA Water is a great example of that.

“Water is one of the most fundamental services we provide as a society, and the opportunity to contribute to that mission is incredibly rewarding.”

Bill said he originally joined SA Water in an interim capacity but was quickly impressed by both the organisation’s culture and its people.

“What stood out to me was not only the importance of the work, but the quality of the people,” he said.

“There’s a strong alignment between the organisation’s values and my own, but equally important is the culture. The people at SA Water are collaborative, committed and genuinely focused on delivering for customers and communities.”

As CIO, Bill will lead the utility’s technology strategy, digital transformation and cyber security functions, with a focus on supporting reliable service delivery and long-term business performance.

A key priority will be overseeing major technology transformation programs that will modernise the systems underpinning SA Water’s operations, customer services, asset management and corporate functions.

Bill will also oversee the replacement of key operational technology systems that help monitor and manage SA Water’s extensive network of water and wastewater assets.

“Technology plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability and resilience of essential services,” Bill said.

“As a critical infrastructure provider, we need systems that are secure, available and fit for purpose.

“That’s about supporting our people to make informed decisions and ensuring we continue delivering services South Australians rely on every day.”

Looking ahead, Bill sees emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence creating opportunities to improve productivity and decision-making, while emphasising the importance of adopting new technologies thoughtfully.

“Artificial intelligence is a significant technological development and it has enormous potential, but like any major technology shift, it’s important to focus on where it can genuinely deliver value,” he said.

“We need to be excited about the possibilities while remaining practical and measured in how we apply it.”

SA Water Chief Executive David Ryan welcomed Bill’s appointment, recognising the depth of experience and leadership he brings to the utility.

“Bill has an impressive track record leading technology functions in complex, purpose-driven organisations and critical infrastructure environments,” David said.

“His experience, strategic perspective and commitment to community outcomes will help ensure SA Water continues to evolve and deliver value for our customers and the state.”

Bill holds a degree in Mathematics and an MBA, and his career in technology has seen him progress through technical, sales and marketing to technology leadership roles.