Executive Vice President
Suez Environment North America

Patrick Cairo is responsible for strategic planning and development for Suez Environment North America (SENA) with an emphasis on corporate restructuring and new businesses activities for the Suez Group. He is also responsible for external relations with multilateral agencies and industry groups in the water sector. Cairo has been responsible for the realignment of major projects for United Water, SENA’s water management subsidiary in North America.

Cairo has over 30 years experience in the water industry including 12 years with United Water and its parent company, Suez Environment. Until 2002, he served as director of technology and research for Suez Environment in Paris where he oversaw their technology and research centers around the world. Prior to that, Cairo served as CEO of United Water Services following a three-year tenure with Suez Environment as director of international water development for North America.

Cairo launched his career with the Philadelphia Water Department in 1969 and advanced through positions of increasing responsibility before being appointed deputy water commissioner and chief operating officer in 1986.

He is on the board of directors of the Water Partnership Council, and a member of the National Council of Public Private Partnerships, the US Conference of Mayors Urban Water Council, the International Water Association and the AWWA.

Cairo holds both a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and a Certified Water Works Operator in Pennsylvania, Class A. He has published over 60 papers and articles on water management and technology innovation.