The water, sanitation, and drainage sector is abuzz with the strategic moves of SePRO Corporation, a market leader in water quality solutions. The company has just announced the appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to its Board: Ed Daniels, Chris Morrison, and Kevin Gundersen. They join Bill H Culpepper, SePRO’s founder and former President, and Doug McKeown, a current NED, in steering the company through a significant transformation.
This strategic overhaul is backed by SePRO’s new owners, Stanley Capital Partners (SCP) and Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The infusion of growth capital and operational transformation capabilities is set to accelerate SePRO’s technology-driven approach to environmental health. The company is rapidly expanding its capabilities in real-time water diagnostics, restoration solutions, and precision water management. This news could significantly shape the future of the water sector, pushing it towards more innovative and sustainable practices.
Ed Daniels, who serves as the Chairman of the Board, brings over three decades of experience in global energy and industrial markets. As the current CEO of Venterra Group, a leading wind energy developer, and former Strategy, Sustainability, and Corporate Relations Director for Shell Plc, Daniels provides a global perspective on sustainability, corporate strategy, and operational transformation. His appointment signals SePRO’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to drive growth.
Chris Morrison, with his deep sector expertise in the water industry, is another key addition. His extensive experience in industrial, municipal, and wastewater leadership, coupled with his advisory roles in multiple water sector businesses, makes him an invaluable asset. Morrison’s leadership positions at key regulatory bodies, including his role as Chairman of the Marin Water District and an appointee to the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, further underscore his influence and insight.
Kevin Gundersen, currently the Vice President of Global Communications and Government Affairs at Huntsman Corporation, brings a strong background in corporate leadership, government relations, and strategic communications. His previous roles at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security equip him with a unique blend of public and private sector experience.
Doug McKeown, a long-standing NED at SePRO, continues to draw on his extensive leadership experience. His tenure as CEO and Board Chair of Woodard & Curran, where he transformed the firm into a national leader, speaks volumes about his strategic acumen. His current roles on the boards of several leading consulting engineering firms further enrich his industry insight and strategic perspective.
James Brooks, Founding Partner at Stanley Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. “We are building SePRO into a global leader in water quality and environmental health,” he stated. “Strengthening the leadership team with Chris, Ed, Doug, and Kevin reflects our commitment to driving strategic growth, investing in governance, and executing a technology-enabled roadmap for the future and its continued growth. Their combined expertise will help accelerate SePRO’s innovation pipeline and further expand its market reach.”
This strategic realignment at SePRO is more than just a boardroom shuffle. It’s a bold move that could redefine the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. The appointments of Daniels, Morrison, and Gundersen, coupled with the continued leadership of Culpepper and McKeown, signal a shift towards a more innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced future. The sector should brace itself for a wave of disruption, as SePRO sets out to accelerate its innovation pipeline and expand its market reach. The question now is, who will follow suit and how will the rest of the industry respond to this challenge?
