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Appointments round-up (13/01/2023)

With news on: Finning apprentice scheme records 91% retention rate; Company Shop Group appoints new managing director; Reconomy Group names chief executive; Veolia’s Gavin Graveson awarded CIWM Fellowship; and, Suttons Tankers appoints general manager.


Finning apprentice scheme records 91% retention rate

CAT equipment dealer Finning said that latest retention rates showed that over 90% of apprentices were employed by the firm on successful completion of their apprenticeship.

The company noted that the national average for this is under 60%, adding that its apprentices also earn 39% more than the national minimum wage for training schemes.

Finning said that it is looking to fill 24 positions across the UK and Ireland, including in Winsford, Cannock, Glasgow, Ashford, Leeds and Dublin. The scheme is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, Finning added.

Demeki Watson is an apprentice with Finning at the company’s headquarters in Cannock

It said that on successful completion of the scheme, an apprentice with Finning will be offered a permanent position within the company, along with further opportunities to progress their career.

According to the company, 62 apprentices are currently working at Finning to complete the 4-year programme.

Finning outlined that a number of former apprentices have gone on to hold senior roles, including service operations director Iain Carpenter as well as apprenticeships quality manager Craig Smallman.

Those interested can now apply online here.


Company Shop Group appoints new managing director

Biffa-owned Company Shop Group, which redistributes surplus food and household products, has announced the appointment of Owen McLellan as its new managing director.

The company explained that Mr McLellan will be taking over from Steph McGinty who is to take on the role of sourcing and partnerships director.

It said that Mr McLellan joined as group finance director in May 2022 from Morrisons, where he held senior finance and strategy roles during his 10-year tenure.

Owen McLellan, Company Shop Group’s new managing director

In his new role, he is set to oversee the further development of the business’ expert intervention capabilities, helping existing and new industry partners to redistribute all types of surplus stock. The group added that this includes working with partners on their manufacturing sites to identify and capture unfinished products that are higher up the supply chain and typically harder to reach.

Michael Topham, chief executive of Biffa, said: “I would like to congratulate Owen on his appointment. Company Shop Group is central to our strategy of providing businesses with an end-to-end solution for all their surplus and waste, and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue the great work that Steph has delivered over the past two years.”


Reconomy Group names chief executive

Reconomy Group announced this week (12 January) that Guy Wakeley has been appointed chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2023.

The Group said Mr Wakeley has taken over from Paul Cox, who has transitioned to the role of founder director on the Group board.

Most recently, Mr Wakeley served as chief executive of services at IWG plc in Switzerland, where he was responsible for business strategy, environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, and financial planning, the company added.

In his role, Mr Wakeley is to continue to build Reconomy Group’s market positions globally in the recycle, comply and reuse segments of the sustainability sector.

Guy Wakeley commented: “Reconomy Group’s sustainability solutions play a crucial role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our world. The Group’s strong relationships with blue-chip brands mean it is well-positioned to support businesses which are increasingly focused on their environmental impact and ESG objectives.

“I am thrilled to be leading such a talented and dedicated team, and I believe that together, we can capitalize on the significant opportunity to help customers grow, sustainably.”


Veolia’s Gavin Graveson awarded CIWM Fellowship

Gavin Graveson, Veolia’s senior executive vice president Northern Europe Zone, has been awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, Veolia has said.

The fellowship was awarded in recognition of Mr Graveson’s contribution to the waste and recycling industry. The award was presented by CIWM chief executive officer Sarah Poulter.

Alongside other CIWM Fellows, chartered resource and waste managers and members, Mr Graveson’s knowledge will assist CIWM in achieving its core purpose, to move the world beyond waste, Veolia said.

Veolia’s Gavin Graveson with Sarah Poulter, chief executive officer of CIWM

Commenting on the award, Ms Poulter said: “CIWM Fellowship is granted to leading resource and waste management professionals in acknowledgement of their distinguished achievements and outstanding contribution to the sector.

“We are delighted to award this prestigious accolade to Gavin in recognition of his exceptional leadership in supporting CIWM and those working in the sector.”

Mr Graveson added: “I am honoured to be made a CIWM Fellow at a time when our industry can deliver so much to protect the future of the environment, and I look forward to contributing to the major role that CIWM can play.”


Suttons Tankers appoints general manager

Logistics provider Suttons Tankers has announced the appointment of Simon Williams to the role of general manager of waste, as part of the business’ growth strategy.

Suttons Tankers said that the waste sector has been identified as an area of growth for the company.

It explained that with over 25 years’ experience, Mr Williams is set to join the team to strengthen the business’ offering to its existing customers, while aiding further development into this market.

Simon Williams, the newly appointed general manager of waste at Suttons Tankers

Mr Williams is an “industry expert and brings technical knowledge and commercial experience gained from a long career in all areas of the waste supply chain”, the company added. He is to implement growth and oversee the day-to-day running of complex operations for the business in this sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Michael Cundy, managing director of Suttons Tankers, said: “Under his guidance the business will further develop into this sector in line with our ambitious growth strategy, building and strengthening relationships with new and existing customers and continuing to bring high levels of safety and reliability.”

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