Meet IWN Executive: Jen Rebeiro
As Chief Information Officer at City West Water, Jen Rebeiro is passionate about driving positive organisational change. Jen has been an IWN Executive Group member since March 2019. Take a moment to get to know her.
Jen Rebeiro
LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I’ve lived in the same local council area my whole life - inner north west Melbourne, which I guess sounds pretty boring but I do love to be out and about, see plays, go to restaurants and bars and travel. I also have two teenage kids with busy lives, who keep us grounded in the community.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I have a really mixed background. I’d describe myself as a versatile leader, rather than a product specialist.
On paper, I have a Bachelor of Business in HR and psychology, an MBA and a Master of Information Technology Management. In practice, I’ve spent about 20 years working in project management, HR, change management and tech, most recently in my current role at City West Water and previously at Victoria Police and Parks Victoria.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO YOUR GRANDMA)?
I spend a lot of time in meetings! More interestingly though, my role is to imagine and think about the future. It’s about understanding how we can enable our business to do things better, solve problems and take up opportunities. A lot of the time, it’s about taking a punt that an approach is right and being flexible enough to pivot.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR RECENT CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
I’ve been at City West Water almost two years and it’s been rewarding to bring about change projects, such as enabling customers to interact with us digitally through multiple channels and implementing Agile methodologies across the organisation.
Setting up a transformation program at Victoria Police was another recent highlight. It was all about reducing admin for front-line staff by using data insights and putting the right tools in the right hands.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE IWN EXECUTIVE GROUP?
I was talking with IWN Chair Paul O’Donohue and former Program Director Brett Millington about their vision for IWN and the awesome opportunity to lead the water sector with innovative ideas. I also think the Champions Program is excellent in how it provides personal growth and development for people in our sector.
WHAT IWN PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU THE MOST?
I’m always interested in the digital and data programs. I’m also fascinated by the robotics and Zero Emissions Water initiatives, and really enjoy hearing about people’s growth through the Champions Program. I am energised by change - by exploring and driving better outcomes - so IWN is really exciting because there are so many opportunities to make a difference for our sector.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
A full day ahead, making me excited about what we’re doing and how we’re planning for the future.