Mr McCalman will finish with the company in June.
His resignation was announced in a shareholder update, exactly three weeks after the Murray Irrigation’s annual general meeting on November 30.
At the AGM, the company confirmed the appointment of two new shareholder directors — Brendan Barry and Troy Mauger.
Steve Fawns was also re-elected based on the results of the earlier shareholder election.
In the days that followed, Phil Snowden was elected to lead Murray Irrigation as its chair and Lachlan Marshall was elected deputy chair.
In its shareholder update, Murray Irrigation said Mr McCalman’s resignation coincides with the completion of the company business strategy and the company pivoting to “collaboration and stakeholder engagement to support change”.
“The past 12 months has been a period of significant change for MIL,” the update read.
“MIL board and management have laid the foundations for financial sustainability and modernised to support water delivery for customers into the future.
“We also face further disruption in our operating environment with new legislation governing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and water buybacks to have a profound impact on our company and its shareholders.
“The business is announcing this change now to maintain transparency and provide a transition period that supports stability. From a customer perspective, the coming six months will be business as usual.”
Mr McCalman said it had been a difficult decision to step away.
“But I do this knowing Murray Irrigation has a fantastic and committed team of people who will always prioritise the efficient delivery of water,” he said.
Mr McCalman will work with the board and management team through the transition period to ensure the business maintains its momentum and focus.
“The transition will see no change in the delivery of water or services to customers,” he said.
Mr Snowden said Mr McCalman has been instrumental in driving the business modernisation program required to set MIL up for the future.
“The board thanks Ron for his unquestionable commitment to Murray Irrigation over the past 18 months,” Mr Snowden said.
“Ron hasn’t shied away from bringing the difficult issues to the board, particularly around intergenerational sustainability for our company and farmers.
“The company has grown stronger under his leadership.
“With a new business strategy to deliver and disruption in our operating environment, the board will look for a CEO who can navigate change and inspire collaboration.
“Stakeholder engagement will be paramount.”
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