Water institute leader moves to World Bank Group

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 10, 2012 – After 10 years as the executive director of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) Anders Berntell will be moving onto the position of executive director of the 2030 Water Resources Group at the International Finance Corporation, within the World Bank Group.

Berntell took over as executive director at SIWI in February 2002, growing the organization from 10 to 50 employees by the end of 2011. He helped develop SIWI’s annual event - the World Water Week (see WaterWorld TV video interview) and Stockholm Water Prize. In 2002 a total of 1,000 delegates participated in the World Water Week, which grew to 2,700 delegates in 2011.

Berntell said: “Our key brands, the World Water Week and the Stockholm Water Prize stands stronger than ever and have manifested themselves as world leaders in their respective fields. SIWI’s work in other areas and its role as thought leader is widely recognised and appreciated. This organisation has all the potential to play an even more important role in international discussions on water and related areas in the future.”

Berntell will start his new position as executive director of 2030 Water Resources Group in Washington, March 1, 2012. SIWI said it is currently recruiting a new executive director.

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