George Hawkins
George Hawkins, former CEO and general manager of DC Water and a leading thinker around utility transformation and innovation, has joined XPV Water Partners, a sector-specific investor focused on growth companies related to the use, treatment and management of water resources.
Hawkins, who will assume the role as an Executive in Residence with XPV Water Partners, has more than 20 years of experience in public works and environmental policy. He is well known across the water sector for transforming DC Water into an innovative, customer-driven enterprise, while tripling its investment in clean water. His deep-rooted background and expertise in the water industry will help XPV establish company strategies, support business growth among XPV’s portfolio companies, and identify new opportunities in the marketplace.
“I’ve known XPV for years and have been impressed by their knowledge and insight into the industry. I always want to see where they invest their funds,” said Hawkins. “Their diligence is first class and they pick winners – promising technologies and services that are ready to help us improve today.”
Hawkins launched his leadership and innovation-focused consulting business Moonshot LLC after stepping down as CEO and general manager of DC Water, where he served for eight years.
“We are thrilled that George has joined the XPV family. His skills, experience and knowledge will be extremely helpful in scaling our portfolio companies,” said Dave Henderson, XPV Water Partners Founder and Partner.
Read Water Finance & Management’s December 2017 profile on George Hawkins
During his tenure, he became well known across the water sector for transforming DC Water into an innovative, customer-driven enterprise, while tripling its investment in clean water. He also retains an advisory role with DC Water and its non-profit Blue Drop spin-off, which markets products and services developed by the utility. He also serves on the National Infrastructure and Advisory Council, which provides advice to the White House on infrastructure policy.
Prior to joining DC Water, Hawkins was Director of the District of Columbia Department of the Environment and has also served as Executive Director of several non-profit organizations in New Jersey, and previously held senior positions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the law firm Ropes & Gray.
Hawkins is a popular speaker and storyteller on water, infrastructure and environmental issues and seeks every opportunity to interact with both C-suite leaders and front-line personnel. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Princeton University and Cum Laude from Harvard Law School and has taught environmental law and policy for the Princeton Environmental Institute since 1999. He has been the recipient of numerous awards for leadership and public service, including Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year in 2015 and the US Water Prize in 2016.
“I do believe that we are at a moment when new innovations will enable the water industry to deliver better service to our customers, often at lower cost, which is a fundamental goal at DC Water and any utility,” added Hawkins. “I hope to help be a bridge between these new technologies and my many friends in the utility world.”
XPV Water Partners is comprised of experienced water entrepreneurs, operators, and investment professionals dedicated to making a difference in water. XPV partners with, invests in, and actively supports water-focused growth companies so they can grow and deliver value for all stakeholders. XPV manages over $400 million in investment capital from some of the top institutional investors in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The XPV family of portfolio companies is making a difference in water both by driving more efficient management of the world’s most critical resource and by creating significant shareholder value that can help move the industry forward. Visit www.xpvwaterpartners.com to learn more.
