About Acen

Get to know us.

Our team of experienced consultants is committed to optimizing operations, addressing staffing needs, enhancing efficiency, and securing the financial resources necessary for your expansion.

At Acen Water, we understand the complexities of the water & wastewater sector, including the need for substantial infrastructure development, access to capital for growth, the demand for skilled professionals, and the ability to leverage advanced technology.

Business is personal, and cultivating meaningful relationships with the right individuals can create a significant competitive edge.

Meet Us

Walter Lynch

Executive Partner

  • Former CEO of American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest investor-owned water utility company in America with a market cap of ~$25B and annual revenue of more than $4B
  • During his tenure at American Water, the company completed over 200 acquisitions and grew revenues from $2.3B to $3.8B
  • Served as a director and President (2015) of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC)
  • Twenty years’ experience with American Water
  • Held multiple executive roles prior to becoming CEO, as COO, and leading various operating subsidiaries

Meet Us

Walter Lynch

Executive Partner

  • Former CEO of American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest investor-owned water utility company in America with a market cap of ~$25B and annual revenue of more than $4B
  • During his tenure at American Water, the company completed over 200 acquisitions and grew revenues from $2.3B to $3.8B
  • Served as a director and President (2015) of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC)
  • Twenty years’ experience with American Water
  • Held multiple executive roles prior to becoming CEO, as COO, and leading various operating subsidiaries
Kevin Kirwan

Executive Partner

  • Former SVP & Chief Operational Excellence Officer at American Water (NYSE: AWK)
  • Kevin led the Operational Excellence strategy and the spectrum of internal and external third-party services for the company, giving him insight into what services/providers were most valuable to them and what the pain points of asset owners are
  • He has a high degree of technical knowledge regarding all areas of water infrastructure services, water treatment, metering, operational technology and regulatory compliance
  • Forty year’s experience with American Water
Kevin Kirwan

Executive Partner

  • Former SVP & Chief Operational Excellence Officer at American Water (NYSE: AWK)
  • Kevin led the Operational Excellence strategy and the spectrum of internal and external third-party services for the company, giving him insight into what services/providers were most valuable to them and what the pain points of asset owners are
  • He has a high degree of technical knowledge regarding all areas of water infrastructure services, water treatment, metering, operational technology and regulatory compliance
  • Forty year’s experience with American Water
AEA Investors

Financial Sponsors

Founded in 1968, AEA Investors LP is one of the most well-established private equity firms in the world. AEA boasts an extraordinary global network, including leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders, many of whom invest actively with AEA and serve on portfolio company boards or in advisory roles.

With approximately 110 investment professionals operating globally, AEA manages funds with approximately $19 billion of invested and committed capital, focusing on middle market companies and small business companies, growth capital, and mezzanine and senior debt investments.

AEA Investors

Financial Sponsors

Founded in 1968, AEA Investors LP is one of the most well-established private equity firms in the world. AEA boasts an extraordinary global network, including leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders, many of whom invest actively with AEA and serve on portfolio company boards or in advisory roles.

With approximately 110 investment professionals operating globally, AEA manages funds with approximately $19 billion of invested and committed capital, focusing on middle market companies and small business companies, growth capital, and mezzanine and senior debt investments.