Month: May 2026

The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) today announce the Board of Trustees’ appointment of Scott McCready as Acting Chief Executive Officer, following yesterday’s announcement that Adrian Sym would be stepping down. With over 10 years at AWS, most recently as the Chief Strategy Officer, Scott has been instrumental in the evolution and growth of the organisation and takes up the post of Acting CEO today.

“As AWS continues to drive leadership in credible water stewardship, I am pleased to support the organisation, colleagues and members as Acting CEO. Our focus will continue to be on supporting our multi-stakeholder community as we work together to build a water secure future. There are many exciting milestones in the weeks and months ahead, not least looking forward to welcoming everyone to the 2026 AWS Forum in June,” said Scott.

AWS Board Chair Max Wiesendanger said, “We are very pleased to have Scott step into the role of Acting CEO at AWS. With his experience and dedication to water stewardship, he has the Board’s full support.” Scott will serve as Acting CEO while the Board undergoes a formal process to identify the next CEO for AWS.

In 2011, Adrian Sym was appointed as the first Chief Executive of AWS. After 15 years of service, and with the recent launch of Version 3.0 of the AWS Standard, Adrian and the Board have agreed that the time is right for Adrian to step down as CEO and open the next leadership chapter for AWS.

Under Adrian’s tenure, AWS has become firmly established in its intended role as a credible, ISEAL compliant standard system that is widely respected by stakeholders around the world, with our multi-stakeholder members at the forefront of leadership in water stewardship.

The Board would like to express its gratitude to Adrian for his service to the organisation and its deep appreciation for his dedication and tireless efforts in pursuit of our mission to ignite and nurture leadership in credible water stewardship.

The Board will appoint an Acting CEO and will shortly begin a formal process to identify the next CEO who will guide AWS through the next phase of the organisation’s growth and impact.

Moments of transition are also moments of opportunity, and we look forward to building on the accomplishments of the last 15 years to further advance our work forwards a water secure future for all.