Global Water Resources Taps Water Industry Veteran, Robert J. Kuta, for EVP of Engineering and Environmental Resources
Seasoned Executive Brings 35 Years of Experience at Industry-Leading Water Peers as Company Prepares for Growth and Infrastructure Expansion in 2025 and Beyond
PHOENIX, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Water Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: GWRS), a prominent water resource management company, has announced the appointment of Robert J. Kuta to the newly-established role of executive vice president of engineering and environmental resources.
This strategic addition is part of the company’s continuous efforts to enhance its water and wastewater services for customers within Arizona’s rapidly expanding economy, and to anticipate future growth and regional developments. The integration of engineering and environmental resources in this new position allows for multiple benefits, such as ensuring Global Water Resources maintains its outstanding compliance record while acquiring troubled utilities and managing new regulatory standards.
Kuta joins Global Water Resources with over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the water industry, covering areas such as operations, project delivery, strategic planning, and the development of innovative business performance models and regulatory strategies. He possesses substantial executive background particularly within the regulated utility sector in the southwestern United States.
He has led expansive and diverse water organizations both domestically and internationally, overseeing large-scale water and wastewater design-build-operate projects worldwide that have catered to industries such as food processing, mining, oil & gas, and energy production.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rob and his extensive expertise as we embark on potentially our largest capital improvement program in the coming years,” remarked Global Water Resources CEO, Ron Fleming. “We are confident in Rob’s ability to utilize his varied skill set to elevate our organizational performance.
“Coordinating with our exceptional existing team, Rob will develop and execute infrastructure and environmental programs specifically designed to benefit our expanding regional communities while keeping compliance as our top priority. We eagerly anticipate Rob’s contributions as we apply our unique approach to Total Water Management in addressing today’s infrastructure and environmental challenges.”
Previously, Kuta held the position of vice president of engineering and chief water quality and environmental affairs compliance officer with California Water Service Company (Cal Water), the third largest investor-owned water utility in the country. At Cal Water, he was responsible for overseeing capital expenditures totaling $1.4 billion under a comprehensive three-year development and infrastructure expansion program.
“I admire Global Water’s approach to the water utility sector and their achievements within their relatively short history,” Kuta commented. “Global Water has a remarkable opportunity to make an even greater impact in delivering reliable water resource management to Arizona communities. As the region continues to experience rapid growth, this mission becomes increasingly important. I am eager to lead our engineering, construction, and environmental resources departments, including our new industrial division, with an emphasis on creating successful outcomes for stakeholders.”
Prior to his tenure at Cal Water, Kuta served as senior vice president of Operations Management Service – Water, Environment & Nuclear at CH2M HILL, an engineering firm later acquired by Jacobs. There, he directed a team of 1,400 associates delivering $250 million in annual service contract work, including operations, maintenance, and consulting for both public and private sector clients. He was instrumental in directing infrastructure improvement programs valued at over $2 billion, which included alternative delivery water/wastewater projects and U.S. military utility privatization programs.
Earlier in his career, Kuta held various advancing roles at American Water Works, including president of its Arizona American Water Company subsidiary and as regional vice president of Service Delivery for Western Region Company, another American Water subsidiary. In these roles, he managed a rolling five-year gross capital budget exceeding $1 billion while aligning with the region’s rate recovery plans.
He currently serves on the board for the Design-Build Institute of America’s Western Pacific Region, providing ‘design-build done right’ education and professional certification to advance industry best practices. He has also been an active member of several other industry groups, such as the American Water Works Association, National Association of Water Companies, and Water Environment Federation.
Kuta’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Central Michigan University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and graduate studies in Hydrology/Civil Engineering at Arizona State University. He also earned an Advanced Certificate for Executives in Management, Innovation, and Technology from MIT.
About Global Water Resources
Global Water Resources, Inc. stands as a leading water resource management company, operating 32 systems that provide water, wastewater, and recycled water services. The company’s service areas are primarily located in growth corridors around metropolitan Phoenix. Annually, Global Water recycles over 1 billion gallons of water, with a total of 17.4 billion gallons recycled since 2004.
The company is recognized for its effective implementation of Total Water Management (TWM), an integrated approach that involves managing the entire water cycle by owning and operating water, wastewater, and recycled water utilities within the same area to maximize the beneficial use of recycled water. This strategy promotes smart water management programs featuring remote metering infrastructure and other advanced technologies that result in significant conservation, addressing the needs of water-scarce regions facing population growth.
Global Water has earned numerous accolades, including national recognition as a ‘Utility of the Future Today’ for its superior water reuse practices, and the Excellence in Departmental Practice Award from Cityworks for its leadership and innovation in public asset management strategies.
