EIT Water Chief Executive Officer (m/f/d)

About EIT Water
EIT Water is Europe's innovation community for water, marine and maritime systems. It connects industry, innovators, researchers, educators and policymakers to tackle the most urgent water challenges from scarcity, drought and flooding to pollution and ecosystem decline. EIT Water is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
Founded in 2026, EIT Water has eight regional hubs across Europe and a mandate to deliver systemic innovation from source to sea. EIT Water is now establishing the governance structures that will guide its first Strategic Agenda and long-term impact.
The Role
EIT Water are now recruiting their inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation in this exciting critical start-up phase, through to its longer-term growth and success. The CEO of EIT Water holds overall executive responsibility for leading the organisation in delivering its mission to strengthen Europe's water innovation ecosystem. The role is accountable for strategic leadership, operational excellence, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that EIT Water delivers measurable impact aligned with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and EU policy objectives.
The appointed CEO will have a pivotal role in the establishment and future growth of the entire organisation, putting the strategy and vision of members in the ecosystem into practice and building relationships and establishing trust with funders and key stakeholders in the sector. It is a start-up environment where agility, fast-thinking and strong leadership from the front will be crucial for success.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via by 5pm CET Friday 5th June 2026 and should include a current CV and a cover letter setting out your interest and relevant experience.
The appointment process is led by Perrett Laver on behalf of EIT Water. For questions about the process, please contact .
EIT Water is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. This activity is co-funded by the European Union. EIT Water is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications without discrimination on any grounds. EIT Water is an established Danish Association based in Aarhus.