Debbie Kirby

Observer
DISC Type : ci

GM People & Safety, SA Water, South Australia at SA Water

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Overview

Debbie is an accomplished people and safety executive with over 20 years of experience across Australia and New Zealand. As GM People & Safety at SA Water, she leads the full spectrum of people functions, focusing on safety, inclusion, and leadership. People who have worked with her describe her as authentic, empathetic, and innovative.

Outside of her executive role, Debbie is a dedicated family person. Her happy place is spending time with her husband and their combined seven children and their partners. She also actively supports community causes, such as participating in fundraising events like #WalkForWater to support global access to clean water.

In 2020, she was named the HRNZ HR Person of the Year, a testament to her leadership and impact in the field.

Personality Overview

Curious

Assertive

Example Seeker

They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting information.  They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.

Topics They Care About

Social Outcomes
Recognized as a leader in Corporate Social Outcome programmes in New Zealand, she has a passion for creating employment opportunities and support systems for marginalized groups.
Inclusive Leadership
A career highlight for her was developing Te Ara Whanake, the Downer Maori Leadership programme, showcasing her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion from the top down.
Employee Wellbeing
Her background is in social services, and she brings a holistic view of employee support to her corporate roles, focusing on safety, engagement, and overall wellbeing.

Media Appearances

Our Executive Team – SA Water. Featured in SA Water Official Website

See Now

Work History

1-2025
GM People & Safety, SA Water, South Australia at SA Water
7-2023 - 1-2025
Executive General Manager People & Culture | Transport & Infrastructure | Australia & NZ at Downer
10-2016 - 7-2023
General Manager People & Culture at Downer
1-2016 - 7-2023
General Manager Corporate Social Outcomes at Downer
7-2005 - 3-2009
Adult Education Instructor at Workforce Development

Education

2010 - 2015
Graduate Diploma in Human Resources from Massey University
1987 - 1989
Education details unavailable from University of Canterbury

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 18 Location : Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Job Level : Senior Designation : GM People & Safety, SA Water, South Australia at SA Water
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Insights For Selling To Debbie

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Share testimonials from known people and give multiple examples of product value
  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence
  • Ask them questions to understand their needs better while staying affable

DONT's

  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first
  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Debbie is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important to them, relationships will have some weightage.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Debbie

  • They are practical yet friendly, don’t expect a clear no very often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Debbie move?

  • They like to analyze well and can take their time to reach any decisions.
  • Can Debbie take some risk or not?

  • They evaluate their decisions systematically and are less likely to take risks.

You And Debbie

Personality Compatibility


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