Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) operator, Exchange for Change, has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team.
Part of the preparations for the October 2027 launch of DRS in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the appointments “further strengthen the organisation’s capability across operations, corporate affairs, legal, people and technology”. The appointees are expected to work alongside the Exchange for Change Board to finalise the operational blueprint, build key systems and processes and support industry in preparation for the launch of the DRS next year.
Andrew Smith has been appointed chief operating officer, having led major strategic and operational transformational change programmes at organisations including Diageo, ABF, BBC, IHG, Centrica and Reconomy Group. As Chief Operating Officer, he will lead operational planning and end-to-end delivery for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme, making sure the systems, process, logistics, infrastructure partners and enterprise procurement are in place ahead of October 2027.
Kate McFerran has been appointed corporate affairs director, and has worked on large infrastructure and policy projects at Veolia, the Federation of Master Builders and LNER. She also has worked in the food and beverage sector, including as a consultant to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
Rehan Akram has been named as legal director, to oversee regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting for Exchange for Change, while Henrik Malmquist is the new people director.
The list of new appointments is rounded off by Trevor Gordon as new chief information officer.
Commenting on the new appointments, CEO of Exchange for Change, Russell Davies, said: “More than 50 deposit return schemes already operate around the world, with another 20 due to launch in the next three years, and in October next year we will launch the world’s biggest DRS right here in the UK.
“Delivery is now our priority. We’re building the leadership capability that is vital to deliver this scheme, and these senior appointments strengthen our operational, legal, stakeholder and technology expertise to ensure the scheme is a success.
“Our focus is clear – finalise scheme design, build the systems and partnerships required, and work closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to ensure the scheme is practical, efficient and ready to launch on time.”
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