Global Water Resources Taps Water Industry Veteran, Robert J. Kuta, for EVP of Engineering and Environmental Resources

Kuta brings to Global Water Resources more than 35 years of experience in the water industry, from operations, project delivery and strategic planning to developing and delivering innovative business performance models and regulatory strategies. He also has considerable executive experience within the southwest U.S. regulated utility space.

Kuta has led large and diverse water industry organisations in both domestic and international business settings. This has included managing large and complex water and wastewater design-build-operate projects around the world which have involved food processing, mining, oil & gas, energy production and other high-growth industries.

We welcome Rob’s extensive experience and exceptional record of achievement as we prepare to implement what could be our largest capital improvement programme in the years to come. We have great confidence in Rob’s ability to use his diverse skill set to enhance our organizational performance.

Global Water Resources CEO, Ron Fleming

“In coordination with our exceptional existing team, Rob will develop and execute on infrastructure and environmental programmes designed to benefit our growing regional communities while maintaining compliance as our top mandate. We look forward to Rob’s contributions as we apply our unique approach to Total Water Management in solving today’s infrastructure renewal and environmental challenges,” added Fleming.

Kuta previously served as vice president of engineering and chief water quality and environmental affairs compliance officer at California Water Service Company (Cal Water), the country’s third largest investor-owned water utility. At Cal Water, he oversaw capital expenditures of USD1.4 billion under a three-year development and infrastructure expansion programme.

“I respect Global Water’s approach to the water utility sector and what they have been able to achieve in its relatively short history,” said Kuta. “Global Water has a tremendous opportunity to make an even greater difference in providing reliable water resource management to Arizona communities. This mission has become increasingly vital as the region continues to experience unprecedented growth. I look forward to leading our engineering, construction, and environmental resources departments, including our new industrial division, with a focus on creating successful outcomes for all stakeholders.”

Prior to Cal Water, Kuta served as senior vice president of Operations Management Service – Water, Environment & Nuclear at the engineering firm, CH2M HILL (subsequently acquired by Jacobs). At CH2M, he led 1,400 skilled associates in delivering USD250 million in annual service contract work that included site-based operations, maintenance and consulting services for public and private sector clients. He also helped lead infrastructure improvement programmes and project management services valued at over USD2 billion, including alternative delivery water/wastewater projects and U.S. military utility privatisation programmes.

Before CH2M HILL, Kuta served in several roles of increasing responsibility at American Water Works, including president of its Arizona American Water Company subsidiary. He also served as regional vice president of Service Delivery at Western Region Company, another subsidiary of American Water, where he managed a rolling 5-year gross capital budget of over USD1 billion while maintaining close alignment with the region’s rate recovery plan.

He currently serves on the board for the Design-Build Institute of America’s Western Pacific Region, which provides ‘design-build done right’ education and professional certification opportunities that advance industry best practices.

Kuta previously served as a member of the board of directors of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, which represents the interests of 24 cities and water districts and two private utilities in Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

He is also an active member of several other industry groups, including American Water Works Association, National Association of Water Companies, National Council for Public-Private Partnerships, Water Environment Federation, Water for People, Living Water, and WateReuse Association.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Central Michigan University and MBA from University of Phoenix. He completed graduate studies in Hydrology/Civil Engineering at Arizona State University and earned an Advanced Certificate for Executives in Management, Innovation, and Technology from MIT.

About Global Water Resources
Global Water Resources, Inc. is one of the leading water resource management companies that owns and operates 32 systems which provide water, wastewater and recycled water services. The company’s service areas are located primarily in growth corridors around metropolitan Phoenix. Global Water recycles over 1 billion gallons of water annually with 17.4 billion gallons recycled since 2004

The company has been recognised for its highly effective implementation of Total Water Management (TWM). TWM is an integrated approach to managing the entire water cycle that involves owning and operating water, wastewater and recycled water utilities within the same geographic area in order to maximise the beneficial use of recycled water. It enables smart water management programmes such as remote metering infrastructure and other advanced technologies, rate designs, and incentives that result in real conservation. TWM helps protect water supplies in water-scarce areas experiencing population growth.

Global Water has received numerous industry awards, including national recognition as a ‘Utility of the Future Today’ for its superior water reuse practices by a national consortium of water and conservation organisations led by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The company also received Cityworks’ Excellence in Departmental Practice Award for demonstrating leadership and creativity in applying public asset management strategies to daily operations and long-term planning.

To learn more, visit www.gwresources.com