Exton joins WEF from Grundfos, where he served as the water utility vice president and chief marketing officer. Prior to Grundfos, Exton had nearly three decades of experience at companies in the water sector, including Suez, Veolia, and GE Water & Process Technologies.
He has also been a key WEF volunteer with over a decade of service. He served on WEF’s board of trustees for five years, holding the position of treasurer/officer for three consecutive years and chairing the audit committee. Additionally, Exton was a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) board committee and was nominated to join the WEF Circular Economy Advisory Committee. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was presented with the WEF Fellow Award in October 2023 for his commitment to advancing the global water environment.
“The board of trustees is excited for Ralph to take the helm of WEF,” said WEF board president Aimeé Killeen. “Ralph brings years of strategic leadership and business experience to the organization, which we know will be a great step forward in ringing in our 100-year anniversary and beyond.”
"I have been honored to serve the WEF community for many years and have developed a passion for this organization," said Exton. "My goal as WEF's executive director is to reinforce its position as a leader and convener in the water sector, enhancing its impact on global water issues.”
"We'll prioritize the needs of the communities WEF serves through sustainable solutions, purpose-driven partnerships, innovative technologies, exceptional customer service, and unwavering integrity and accountability," added Exton.
“Ralph will be a pivotal part of steering WEF through the next phase of its strategic plan, aligning with the organization's vision of achieving a 'life free of water challenges,'” said Killeen. "He – and WEF – remain firmly committed to our mission of inspiring the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being.”
Established in 1928, WEF is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world.
