Kerry Schott


Kerry Elizabeth Schott is an Australian executive who has had roles in the business and government sectors. She was managing director and CEO of Sydney Water from 2006–2011. She is currently chair of Moorebank Intermodal Company Ltd, a Director of NBN Co and a member of the Infrastructure Australia Board.

Early life

Schott graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with first class Honours from the University of New England, undertook a Masters of Arts at the University of British Columbia, and a doctorate in pure mathematics at Nuffield College, Oxford.

Career

Her early career included investment banking for Deutsche Bank and Whitlam Turnbull.
Schott has also had roles as visiting professor at Oxford and Princeton Universities, senior NSW Treasury official, chair of the Environmental Protection Authority, adviser to the Reserve Bank of Australia and Trade Practices Commissioner.
During her time as CEO of Sydney Water, Schott opposed a proposal by Australian Water Holdings for a public-private partnership. The Independent Commission Against Corruption later heard that this proposal was part of a scheme by Eddie Obeid that would earn the Obeids up to $60 million through their secret stake in AWH. Due to Schott's opposition, Obeid lobbied Phil Costa, water minister at the time to "sack the bitch", but she was retained with the minister later describing her performance as "nothing short of excellent". She continued to stand up against the alleged corruption around her, warning Arthur Sinodinos, that the people at AWH were dishonest.
In 2014, Schott chaired a panel that reviewed NSW electoral funding. The outcome ruled out full public funding of election campaigns, an option that had been favoured by the Premier Mike Baird and opposition leader John Robertson.
In 2015, Schott oversaw the sale of the Vales Point Power Station to a company owned by Trevor St Baker and Brian Flannery, for $1 million.

Recognition

In 2014 Schott accepted an Honorary Doctor of Science in Economics from the University of Sydney, which was conferred on 1 November 2014.