The Institute of Water (IWater) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah McMath, Chief Executive of MOSL, to its Board of Directors. Sarah will formally take up the role of President at the end of September 2025.
Sarah has been a long-standing member and supporter of IWater, previously serving as South East Area President and actively contributing to the organisation’s work to support water professionals across the UK.
Speaking following her appointment at last week’s IWater Board meeting, Sarah said:
“The Institute of Water has become its own institution in the water industry and is a family of water professionals supporting one another’s development whilst promoting the expertise and passion of those working in the sector. Having been President of the South East area, I feel privileged to be taking on the position of President of IWater. I look forward to working with Gaby and her team to support the organisation in the next stage of its journey in what is a pivotal time for the water industry and, indeed, our planet.”
With over 32 years of experience in the water sector, Sarah has held a wide range of roles spanning technical, asset management and operational functions. She is a recognised leader in the industry and a passionate advocate for water efficiency, sector resilience, and inclusion.
Beyond her role at MOSL, Sarah serves as a trustee of the Don McMath Foundation, a charity providing free education to children in The Gambia. She also holds board positions at the Women’s Utilities Network, and is Chair of the Water Efficiency Strategy Steering Group. In addition, she is a member of the National Drought Group and sits on the advisory groups for Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Campaign and Water Efficiency Fund, further demonstrating her commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
In her role as President, Sarah will lead the development and delivery of IWater’s Annual Conference 2026, the organisation’s flagship event. She will also continue to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), playing a key role in the upcoming EDI Conference later this year, as she has done in previous years.
This appointment comes at a significant time for IWater, as it celebrates its 80th anniversary, a milestone that highlights eight decades of supporting and developing water professionals and the sector.
Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Water, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Board. Her passion for water and inclusion, and her commitment to developing people, shine through in everything she does. Her leadership embodies our values.”
Matt Bower, Chair of the Institute of Water, added:
“I’m delighted that Sarah has agreed to be our next President. She is already very active in IWater at both regional and national levels. She is the perfect person to lead us in our mission to better equip people working in the water industry with the skills and support they need to thrive.”
IWater seeks to better equip its members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities. Their work is underpinned by dedicated volunteers who bring their day-to-day experience in the sector to support every facet of their activities and organisation.
IWater’s Board currently comprises the Chief Executive and 11 Non-Executive Directors, all of whom are volunteers and members.
