Appointments Round-Up (09/01/2026)

Herwart Wilms assumes presidency of FEAD

Herwart Wilms has officially begun his mandate as President of FEAD, the European Waste Management Association, as of January 2026, succeeding Claudia Mensi.

Wilms represents the German Federation, BDE, and brings leadership experience from across the environmental and waste management sectors.

He is Managing Director of REMONDIS Service International, and has long been active in advocating circular economy policies at EU level.

Over the past year, Wilms has worked closely with FEAD’s national associations, engaging with members and preparing to represent their interests at EU level.

Commenting on his appointment, Wilms said: “It is a great honour to take on the presidency of FEAD. I am fully committed to working for all our members across Europe.”

FEAD also paid tribute to outgoing president Claudia Mensi, thanking her for three years of leadership and for driving the association’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Ward strengthens metals team with three appointments

Metal recycling and waste management company Ward has announced three new appointments to its metals team.

The trio will strengthen Ward’s ferrous and non-ferrous buying capability, building on existing supplier relationships and developing new ones to increase the flow of high-quality material through its Cardiff dock operations and processing facilities across Derbyshire.

Fuller joined Ward in July as senior commercial manager, following a 19-year career in commercial and leadership roles within the scrap metal sector.

Howells will take up the role of regional commercial manager in August, overseeing scrap purchasing across the Midlands.

Horner joined in September as contract manager, responsible for managing large-scale, nationwide ferrous and non-ferrous contracts.

Mark Attle, Head of Commercial (UK) at Ward commented: “It’s fantastic to welcome three new team members that bring so much experience of the metal recycling industry to Ward.

“We have ambitious growth plans over the next few years to expand our network of scrap suppliers feeding our sites nationwide, plus increase tonnages of metals for processing and onward export to our customers around the world.”

Ingram succeeds Mermans as President of Plastics Europe

Plastics Europe has appointed Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS Olefins and Polymers Europe, as its new president, effective 1 January 2026.

Ingram succeeds Benny Mermans, vice president of sustainability at Chevron Phillips Chemical, and will lead the association’s efforts to accelerate circularity while strengthening the competitiveness of Europe’s plastics manufacturing sector.

At its General Assembly of 17 December 2025, Plastics Europe also elected three Vice Presidents: Stephanie Kalil, Craig Arnold and Lauren Kjelsen.

Commenting on the appointment, Ingram said: “Two years ago, we set out a clear vision for a sustainable plastics system in Europe.

“Since then, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with unprecedented pressure on our competitiveness. Yet our ambition remains unchanged.

“We have the vision, expertise, innovation and capability to deliver a circular plastics system – but success will require action across the entire value chain with urgent policy measures needed to safeguard this strategically vital industry for Europe and to help our industry back on track for Europe’s much needed circularity.”

Jon Archer joins GAP Group as Chief Financial Officer

GAP Group has appointed Jon Archer as its new Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business continues to pursue growth across its operations.

Archer brings 27 years of finance experience to the role, having most recently served as finance director of a major multi-site business operating across the North of England and Scotland.

During his tenure, the organisation was recognised as one of the UK’s 10 Best Managed Companies and ranked among the fastest-growing businesses in the North East.

Archer was also personally recognised for his achievements, being named North East Finance Director of the Year.

Commenting on his appointment, Archer said: “GAP is a tremendously exciting business. It offers multiple channels and opportunities for growth – not just for the group, but for its customers and the people within it. The opportunity to influence growth and positive change is key for me.”

M&M Group appoints Emily Miller as group marketing coordinator

M&M Group has appointed Emily Miller as its new group marketing coordinator, to strengthen the brand presence of its skip hire, demolition, asbestos removal and land remediation services across Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas.

Based in Witney, the group comprises M&M Waste Solutions, M&M Zero and Maylarch Environmental, employing more than 190 staff and operating a fleet of over 60 vehicles serving construction sites, businesses and households.

Miller joined M&M Group in November 2023 as a personal assistant, quickly taking on responsibility for its social media channels and showcasing the organisation’s wider operations.

Miller now moves into a full-time marketing role, where she will lead digital campaigns, content creation and stakeholder engagement.

Matt Wright, Commercial Director of M&M Group, said: “Emily has proven herself as a self-motivated marketing enthusiast since joining our team and we’re delighted she has accepted this new role.”