Sequana Appointed New Water Security Lead
The appointment signals a push to integrate desalination into global sustainability and water-security projects.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
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Sequana has hired industry veteran Emilio Gabbrielli as Global Director for Desalination and Water Security. The move aims to scale the firm's international capabilities and expand its project portfolio.
Why it matters
The hire reflects a strategic shift toward integrating desalination into broader, more resilient water-security models. Operators in water-intensive sectors should monitor how these new partnerships impact long-term resource planning.
Sequana, which employs 280 people, has tapped Gabbrielli to lead its expansion after his 11-year tenure at Toray and seven years of independent consulting. His experience spans over 100 countries as the firm seeks to build upon its founding in 2019.
The players
Sequana
A Cambridge-based firm founded in 2019 that specializes in water and desalination infrastructure.
Emilio Gabbrielli
An industry veteran with 40 years of experience in water policy and desalination, previously at Toray.
The details
Gabbrielli will focus on building international capabilities by facilitating knowledge exchange between global regions. His mandate involves developing specific projects and partnerships designed to improve client confidence in sustainable desalination strategies. By integrating these services into regional water grids, Sequana aims to position its desalination expertise as a core component of municipal and industrial water security.
Timeline
Sequana was founded in 2019.
Emilio Gabbrielli joined Sequana in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This move reflects the growing integration of desalination into resilient water-security strategies. It follows a trend of firms scaling global expertise to meet the increasingly complex demands of international water management.
Owners and operators should analyze whether their current water-sourcing strategies account for the integration of modern desalination capabilities. Review long-term resource contracts to assess if updated technology or improved efficiency standards could lower operational risk.
The takeaway
The appointment signals that desalination is moving from an isolated infrastructure project to an essential pillar of corporate water security. Operators should monitor their regional providers for similar moves that could shift the cost and availability of long-term water access.
Further reading
For more updates on leadership shifts across the industry, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Smart Water Magazine.
Live Poll
Do you believe your community should prioritize desalination as a primary source for water security?
