MEPs approve Environment Commissioner
Members of the European Parliament have approved the new college of 27 Commissioners, including commissioner for the environment Karmenu Vella.
The new European Commission, presented by its president-elect Jean-Claude Juncker, was elected yesterday morning (October 22) with 423 votes in favour, 209 against and 67 abstentions.
It now needs to be formally appointed by EU heads of state or government to enable it to take up duty on November 1 for a five-year term.
In an opening statement yesterday, Mr Juncker said the future Commission would be ‘very political’ and defended its new set-up, with vice-presidents to ‘coordinate, put together and organise ideas’.
A member of the Maltese Labour Party, Mr Vella takes over responsibility for the environment from Janez Potocnik – a portfolio that will also merge with Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
The appointment was seen as a ‘surprise’ by the Times of Malta, which told letsrecycle.com his appointment represented a ‘black day for the environment’ (see letsrecycle.com story).
Commenting on the elections, Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy’s Nigel Farage, said: “We will vote against this anti-democratic form of government.
The UKIP leader added: “This will be the last European Commission that governs Great Britain, because at the end of the five years, we will be out of here”.
Biffa Municipal makes staff appointments
Biffa’s municipal division has appointed Pete Dickson as commercial director – one of several senior staff appointments made by the waste management company.
Mr Dickson, who previously served as development director of the firm’s municipal division, will now secure commercial opportunities and continue to be responsible for all tender activity in the municipal sector.
Biffa’s former regional director Simon Crook has been promoted to operations director and he will work alongside David Maidman to provide operational strategy and management of the company’s waste contracts.
Iain Jarvis had been appointed to newly-created role of new business director, in charge of demonstrating the municipal division’s commitment to business reach and footprint.
And, Jon Rush, who joined the division earlier this year, has been appointed as special projects manager.
Biffa Municipal managing director, Roger Edwards, said: “Biffa’s municipal offering continues to find strong acceptance amongst local authorities, thanks to our professionalism, flexibility and proven ability to make a real difference.
“This year, we have secured contract extensions worth nearly £250 million, won important new contracts, and await the outcome of several major tenders.”
G&P Batteries appoints managing director
Waste battery collection specialist G&P Batteries has appointed former commercial director Greg Clementson as its new managing director.
Mr Clementson takes over the role from Michael Green, who in turn will serve as special projects director concentrating on developing markets.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Clementson said: “The world of waste batteries is facing some challenging times ahead and these changes are intended to confirm G&P’s position as the leading UK waste battery specialist.
“I’m delighted to be taking over the mantle of MD, a role that Michael has embraced passionately over the last 18 years. For our customers and suppliers it will be very much ‘business as usual’ but I will be striving to ensure that G & P stays ahead of the game.”
G&P Batteries has also made two additional appointments to its senior team, with David Brookes joining as site operations manager after 25 years managing tyre production with Goodyear/Dunlop, and Adam Williams to become head of finance.
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