Helen Little to lead Defra’s pEPR team
Helen Little is set to take on a new leadership role at Defra, moving to lead the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) team within the department’s Circular Economy Directorate.
Little has spent the past 3 and a half years at Defra, most recently serving as joint head of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) team alongside Faye Williams.
During her time on DRS, she worked closely with stakeholders across government and industry as the programme progressed towards delivery.
Ongoing leadership of the DRS team will continue under Williams, supported by David Gell and Martin Hyde.
Little posted on LinkedIn: “I have loved my time working on DRS, the team and leadership have been a great support and inspiration, I have learnt so much from everyone.
“Whilst I will be new to the role, I am no stranger to packaging producer responsibility, having previously managed a compliance scheme, worked for and with producers, schemes and waste management companies as a consultant, and then as a senior advisor for the Environment Agency.
“So I’m looking forward to getting back to it from a fresh perspective.”
BioteCH4 announces transition to senior leadership team
BioteCH4 has announced a senior leadership transition with the appointment of Phil Roche as Commercial Director, as Lee Dobinson moves into a new Group-wide role as Director of Strategy and External Relations.
The changes support the anaerobic digestion operator’s three-year business plan, which positions the Group for growth from 2026 onwards.
Dobinson, formerly Chief Commercial Officer, will now focus on shaping BioteCH4’s long-term growth agenda, developing new commercial opportunities and strengthening relationships with key industry, government and regulatory stakeholders.
Dobinson commented: “I’m excited to focus on areas of particular interest to me, growth, innovation and the expansion of our wider business partnerships as we prepare for the next stage of the Group’s journey – it’s an exciting time to work across the group”.
Roche joins BioteCH4 with direct sector experience, having previously played a key role in improving performance at Biocollectors.
In his new role, he will lead the Group’s commercial strategy across sales, partnerships and market development, ensuring continuity while supporting the next phase of growth and innovation.
Shaun Elliott joins Holcim as new Managing Director
Holcim UK has appointed Shaun Elliott as Managing Director for Recycling, including Construction Demolition Materials (CDM).
Elliott brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience within Holcim, most recently serving as Regional Director for the aggregates business across the North of England and Scotland.
In his new role, he will be responsible for maximising recycling performance and profitability, scaling recycling as a core growth driver, and further integrating circular solutions across Holcim’s wider operations.
Commenting on his appointment, Elliott said: We already have the technology, the assets and the expertise to transform construction and demolition materials into high-quality, certified products at scale.
“The next step is to accelerate that impact – building strong partnerships, investing in our people, and embedding circular thinking into every decision we make as we work towards our 2030 ambitions and a net-zero built environment.”
Vice Chair appointed to Recoup’s Board
Adrian Whyle has been appointed as Vice Chair of Recoup’s Board.
In the position, Whyle will support Recoup’s strategic direction and government, while helping to encourage collaboration and innovation across the plastics value chain.
He brings more than 35 years’ international experience in the speciality chemicals and plastics sector, having held a wide range of senior roles, and has previously supported Recoup as a board member.
Commenting on his appointment, Whyle said: “I have supported RECOUP for many years as a Board member, and really looking forward to seeing how far the network can push plastic circularity in the coming years.
“I hope to play a key role in working with industry and charity partners, members, and stakeholders to advance RECOUP’s mission.”
Adventec expands senior team with new Director of Product and Innovation
Advetec has expanded its senior leadership team with the appointment of Denise Cysneiros as its first Director of Product and Innovation.
Cysneiros joins Advetec with experience from across the anaerobic digestion and bioenergy sector, having previously held senior roles at Green Bioenergy Consultancy, Draz Group and Future Biogas.
She has played a key role in scaling AD businesses from early-stage operations to large portfolios, with expertise spanning bioprocess optimisation, feedstock strategy, technology integration and performance improvement.
In her new role, she will lead Advetec’s product and innovation strategy, aligning technology development with customer needs, regulatory requirements and long-term commercial objectives.
Cysneiros commented: “I’m joining Advetec at a pivotal moment for the waste sector. Looming landfill bans, constrained EfW capacity, and evolving legislation are forcing waste handlers to think and act differently and Advetec’s biotechnology is uniquely positioned to respond to that challenge.
“I am excited by the possibilities biotechnology presents and the opportunity to broaden its use in the waste industry. I’m committed to advancing Advetec’s product and innovation strategy and delivering meaningful value across the circular economy.”
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