Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE stands down
Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE has stood down from her role as managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal.
She will stand down today (31 January) having been MD since she was 19. Ms O’Donovan leaves the company “in the capable hands” of Mark McCleery, the UK manging director of Sortera, the Swedish construction firm which acquired O’Donovan in 2022 (see letsrecycle.com story).
Ms O’Donovan said: “I leave knowing that I have handed over the batten to Mark McCleery, MD of Sortera UK, after 36 years knowing that our family business is left in capable hands with
quality trained staff all round.
“I have no intention of abandoning the waste industry as it has been my love for 36 years and it has been such a fantastic journey that I have had from £175k turnover back in the 80’s, leaving on a £20m+ high is an amazing achievement from all the family and staff. I will be on the end of a telephone available at any time for the team and the directors.”
Mark McCleery added: “I am excited with what we plan to achieve in 2024 and beyond, with our aim of being the partner of choice in respect of sustainable construction. O’Donovan Waste Disposal is clearly an industry leader and along with the second acquisition of GBN (in mid-2023) we have secured fantastic businesses to build upon”.
EMR boosts wind turbine recycling division with new appointment
European Metals Recycling (EMR) has announced that it has appointed John McPhail as its new energy infrastructure project manager.
Working alongside Dr Charlotte Stamper, EMR’s energy infrastructure lead, Mr McPhail will manage the development of a supply chain that will see the materials used to construct modern wind turbines recovered, processed and where possible re-used by the renewable energy industry.
EMR outlined that approximately 90% of the material in wind turbines, including steel, aluminium and copper, is already recyclable but further innovation is required as the number of decommissioned wind turbines increases in the years ahead.
John McPhail said: “Scotland has an amazing opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower, thanks to the on-shore and off-shore wind turbines that have been installed here over recent decades. By ensuring that these assets are decommissioned and recycled in the most sustainable way possible, EMR is playing a vital role in this green transition – and it’s a mission I’m thrilled to now be a part of.
“Over 20 years in the construction industry, I have got to know the high standards to which EMR operates, but this new role is an opportunity to be part of the company’s pioneering future. Its focus on sustainability – and the investments it is making today – make EMR an exciting company to join as the UK heads towards net-zero.”
Battery recycling firm Ecobat names new chief executive
Global battery recycling company Ecobat, the global leader in battery recycling has announced that its board of directors has confirmed the appointment of Thomas P. Slabe as chief executive.
The company has facilities across the US and Europe and in the UK includes the former G+P Batteries business, after it rebranded in 2019 (see letsrecycle.com story).
Mr Slabe said: “I am honoured and excited for this unique opportunity to lead Ecobat, a company with nearly 100 years of global leadership in our sector.
“No other company has our breadth of market knowledge and infrastructure for recycling of lead and lithium-ion batteries. I look forward to helping our customers and working with the Ecobat team in fulfilling the immense potential in front of us.”
Julia Blees appointed as EuRIC secretary general
Emmanuel Katrakis, who has served as EuRIC’s secretary general since the association’s establishment in 2014, has decided to step down as of March.
Julia Blees, EuRIC’s policy director will take over the position.
EuRIC is an umbrella organisation of national and continental associations representing the European recycling sector. In the UK, its members include the British Metals Recycling Association and The Recycling Association, among others.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Emmanuel Katrakis commented: “Leading EuRIC for the past 10 years has been an incredible journey. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. In ten years, we have more than doubled the number of resource streams we represent, quadrupled in members, and welcomed a new team member every year.”
Julia Blees added: “EuRIC has been the voice of the recycling industry in Brussels for the past 10 years. After 5 years of contributing to this journey and actively engaging with stakeholders, I am excited to lead the efforts as of April and continue to weave new opportunities for EuRIC and the recycling industry.”
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