The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources will be headed by long-standing public servant Sandy Pitcher from January next year.

Premier Jay Weatherill announced Pitcher’s appointment as DEWNR chief executive today. She replaces outgoing head Allan Holmes.

Pitcher is currently deputy chief executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, a role in which she has served since 2010.

She has more than a decade of experience in the senior ranks of the public service. She has worked for government in South Australia, Canberra and the United Kingdom.

Weatherill said Pitcher was a great asset, evidenced by her recognition in 2012 when she won Telstra Businesswoman of the Year in the community and government category.

“Sandy has been at the centre of managing Cabinet processes and has assisted myself and former Premier Rann at COAG meetings, representing South Australia with great professionalism,” Weatherill said.

“Her diligence and ability to provide strategic advice is second to none.”

Holmes has been DEWNR chief executive since 1999.

Pitcher has been appointed for five years, beginning on 19 January.