The interview panel consisted of:John Graham, Head of the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs DepartmentAndrew Cubie, Senior Partner, Fyfe Ireland WS (Independent Assessor)Deirdre Hutton, Chair, National Consumer Council (Independent Assessor)Candidates were assessed on their ability to demonstrate the following qualities and experience:A comprehensive and realistic understanding of the challenges facing the Scottish water industry in an increasingly competitive environment, and a clear vision of how they should be addressed in the interest of customers;a commitment to provide leadership to the new authority as a sustainable, competitive public sector organisation;ability to develop a constructive working relationship with ministers and their officials;an ability to communicate effectively with, and listen to, all stakeholders and to represent the organisation - media skills, presentation skills, experience of public meetings; an ability to harness the skills of, inspire and motivate board members in the interests of the authority;a track record in setting challenging targets for the authority's executive management and monitoring progress against them; a commitment to support executive management in their role, and a willingness to challenge their decisions and recommendations;a track record in securing the use of resources to their best...