From harbour to NI Water

Jim, who received a CBE in 2009 for his contribution to the Ports Industry, has more than 15 years Board level experience in a number of organisations.

He currently holds the position of Chair of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, however this appointment will expire in September 2011 as well as Chairman of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust until July 2014.

He is a former non-executive director of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and completed a term as Chair of Greenpark Health and Social Services Trust in Belfast.

He is currently Managing Director of Training Solutions (NI) Ltd which provides training and development for both Public and private sector organisations.

Jim has served on the boards of LEDU, AFBI, the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Quality Centre.

He is also Chairman of Sentinus, a registered charity promoting training in science, engineering and maths in schools in Northern Ireland.

His work experience also includes the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company, he was a HR Manager in Craigavon and South Africa and has been a Factory Manager in Greece, Italy and Turkey, he has international business experience as well as extensive public sector experience.

His qualifications include an M.A. in Strategic Management and a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry. Mr Stewart was awarded a CBE in 2009 for his Contribution to the Ports Industry in Northern Ireland.

Following the completion of the appointments process the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced Jim Stewart as a new non-executive directors along with John Rae and Deep Sagar.

In addition Kevin Steele, who has served as an interim non-executive director, will be appointed for a full term and Donald Price has been re-appointed for a further term.

The Minister said: “The appointment and re-appointment of these non-executive directors will bring a wealth of experience to the Board of NI Water.

“In coming to my decision I sought to appoint people with the best mix of knowledge, skills, expertise and specific water industry and regulatory experience to take on the vital role of non-executive director, acting in the best interest of the organisation and indeed the public who rely so much on its services. This is all the more important at a time when NI Water is undergoing transformational change and seeking to enhance its governance arrangements.”

Mr Kennedy added: “The competition to appoint the new Board members attracted a wide range of highly skilled candidates and I am grateful to all of those who expressed an interest. These appointments come at a critical time for the organisation. I expect the new Board to exercise independent judgement on issues of strategy, performance, governance, executive appointments and to play a key role in holding the company’s executive team to account. The Board will provide constructive input to the development of strategic objectives and policies while ensuring that the business operates efficiently and effectively with continued focus on improving customer care and service delivery.”

NI Water (formerly Water Service) is the sole provider of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, with almost 800,000 domestic, agricultural, commercial and business customers.

According to a DRD release the non-executive directors will be paid £18,000 per annum on the basis of two days per month. The non-Executive appointments have been made on merit and political activity played no part in the selection process.