Jude Allan appointed MD of OPRL as Bates confirms she will not return
On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) has appointed Interim Managing Director Jude Allan as its new permanent Managing Director.
The move follows the conclusion of Margaret Bates’ secondment to Defra, with both parties agreeing she will not return to her previous role.
Allan, a materials engineer, has spent nearly two decades bringing creative designs to market at jonesknowlesritchie and is a trustee of IoM3, where she chairs the Packaging Group.
She has served as OPRL’s Interim MD for almost two years.
Stewart Davies, Non-Exec Chair of the Board at OPRL, said: “Going forward, we expect Jude’s experience across all packaging materials, in design for recycling, and in business transformation to be key to her success in developing OPRL’s value to our members in the future.”
“We are proud to have seen the outstanding impact Margaret has made for the circular economy in her role on secondment to Defra as Head of the UK Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Scheme Administrator, then as interim Head of PackUK.
“We wish her well for her future career.’
Bates added: “I am grateful to OPRL for the opportunities I have had there, not least of which my successful time at DEFRA. I wish my colleagues all the best for the future.”
Neil Sachdev takes over as Chair of Natural Resources Wales
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has welcomed Neil Sachdev as its new Chair, following his appointment by the Welsh Government earlier this year.
Sachdev brings experience in environmental and forestry sectors, including leadership roles focused on climate change, sustainability and renewable energy.
He previously chaired the Energy Saving Trust and has worked on major climate adaptation projects with Network Rail and the Ministry of Defence.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies commented: “I wish Neil well as he begins his term as Chair of NRW.
“He brings with him a wealth of experience working in both public and private sectors, which I am confident will provide NRW with the necessary support and leadership to help shape the organisation to meet the very real challenges ahead.”
Sachdev added: “It’s a real privilege to begin my role as Chair of Natural Resources Wales at such a pivotal time for the organisation and for the nation.
“NRW has an essential role to play in shaping Wales’s response to the climate and nature emergencies – but we know we can’t do it alone. Our success will depend on working collaboratively across government, industry, communities and the third sector.”
Sachdev succeeds David Henshaw, who stepped down on 31 October 2025 after completing two terms.
Ceri Davies, Interim Chief Executive of NRW said: “I’d also like to thank Sir David Henshaw for his dedication and guidance over the past two terms and for his significant contributions he has made during his service since 2018.”
UK DMO expands board with operations and finance appointees
The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has expanded its board with the appointment of two independent non-executive directors, Juliet Sotnick and Lynda Heywood, as preparations continue for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme to launch in October 2027.
Sotnick brings over 25 years’ experience across sustainability, procurement and supply chains, with senior roles at IHS Towers and Babcock International.
She also sits on the board of Nuclear Waste Services and the global board of trustees for the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
She will chair the UK DMO’s fees and operations, technology and IT committees.
Heywood, an experienced finance leader and former group treasurer, adds expertise in capital structure, liquidity and financial risk management.
Her non-executive background spans logistics, retail, insurance and property, and she will chair the audit, finance and risk, and remuneration committees.
John Bason, Chair of UK DMO, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Juliet and Lynda to the UK DMO board.
“They bring deep experience across sustainability, procurement, finance and risk, and their appointments complement existing members by introducing independent perspectives from outside the drinks and retail sectors.
“We are making great strides as we progress towards the scheme going live in October 2027.”
Former Encyclis CEO joins O.C.O Technology board
O.C.O Technology has announced that Owen Michaelson, former CEO of Encyclis, will join its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director from 1 January 2026.
His appointment comes as the carbon capture specialist accelerates plans for international growth, particularly in the US and South East Asia.
Michaelson’s career spans senior executive and non-executive roles in both the UK and US, including chairing Resource Recovery UK and serving on the board of the Environmental Services Association (ESA).
O.C.O’s Group CEO Steve Greig said: “In joining us, Owen has made it clear that he has been impressed by both our technology and our commitment to enabling EfW operations to take a step closer to achieving their circular economy objectives.”
Michaelson added: “I have been closely following O.C.O’s journey from start-up to becoming a world-leader in carbon capture technology, and believe there is huge untapped potential in using the CO2 mineralisation process to further transform the waste sector worldwide.”
Axil appoints board Chairman and Advisor following TowerBrook Partnership
Axil has strengthened its board with the appointment of Franz Joseph (FJ) Miller as Chairman and Patrick Verschelde as Board Advisor, following TowerBrook Delta’s majority investment in the company earlier this year.
Miller brings more than 25 years’ experience scaling high-growth, tech-enabled, customer-focused businesses.
His career includes chairing multiple private-equity portfolio companies across Europe, the UK and the US, as well as founding and successfully exiting two leading B2B logistics platforms, time:matters Group and Liefery.
Verschelde adds global industrial and environmental expertise, having served as CEO and Chair of organisations including Metallo Group Holding, Adisseo and Suez Water Division.
He currently chairs AustroCel Hallein and Uperio Group, both TowerBrook portfolio companies.
Ed Pigg, CEO of Axil, said: “FJ and Patrick add significant depth to Axil’s leadership as the business enters an exciting period of scale.
“Their global perspectives and track records in driving transformation will be invaluable as Axil continues to grow, broaden its capabilities and strengthen its impact across the markets it serves.”
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