Grundon director takes over as WISH Chair
The Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum has elected Toni Robinson, Risk and Sustainability Director at Grundon Waste Management, as its new Chair, effective 8 January 2026.
She succeeds Chris Jones, who is stepping down after 18 years in the role and more than two decades with the organisation since its formation in 2001.
Robinson commented: “It is a huge honour to have been asked to step into Chris’ shoes and I am incredibly grateful to those who have trusted me to take on this very important role.
“Together with my WISH colleagues, I want to thank Chris for his dedication, vision and leadership, without which the organisation would not be where it is today.”
Jones added: “It has been an absolute privilege to be at the helm of WISH from the very beginning, and I must pay tribute to the undoubted strengths, knowledge and expertise of all our members, who have done so much to raise the profile of health and safety within our sector.
“In appointing Toni to this role, I know WISH will be in incredibly safe hands – in all senses of the word – and I look forward to following its continued success in the years to come.”
Alupro’s Martin Hyde to join Defra on secondment for DRS preparation
Martin Hyde, Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager at Alupro, is set to begin a 12-month secondment with Defra in January 2026, taking on the role of Industry Liaison for the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers.
Hyde will act as a bridge between the packaging sector, Defra, the DMO and wider stakeholders, identifying emerging issues and supporting the government team as the scheme moves towards its 2027 rollout.
Hyde commented: “The introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme represents a generational opportunity to change the way we collect and recycle beverage containers in the UK, and is a topic that anyone who knows me will be aware I’m a strong advocate for.
“While this shift is ultimately good news for the sector, policy change requires careful planning, management, and implementation to deliver maximum benefit.”
During his secondment, executive director Tom Giddings will lead Alupro’s public affairs and sustainability work.
Giddings added: “Martin is passionate and highly talented and I believe he’s the perfect choice for this role. I’m very pleased for Martin and even more excited to welcome him back in 2027.”
Gareth Rollings appointed as Chair of LARAC
Gareth Rollings, Head of Waste at West Sussex County Council, has been appointed the new Chair of the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC).
His appointment was confirmed at the organisation’s AGM on 8 October 2025 during the LARAC UK Conference in Birmingham, and he will formally take up the role on 1 January 2026.
Rollings commented: “Local authorities are carrying the weight of Simpler Recycling roll-out, navigating evolving pEPR payments, and still waiting for clarity on DRS, ETS and long-term funding.
“LARAC’s strength has always been the practical experience and shared challenges across our membership.
“My focus will be to amplify that collective voice as we move into 2026 and the reality of delivery.”
Rollings succeeds Cathy Cook, Senior Advisor at ReLondon, who completes a four-year term but will remain on the Executive as a National Representative.
Cook added: “Stepping back into a National Representative role means I can continue championing local authorities while supporting Gareth as he takes LARAC forward.”
Ecoveritas announces three executive appointments
Ecoveritas has made several new appointments to its senior leadership team, as the Manchester-based packaging and waste compliance business gears up for further growth.
Former COO James Walkerdine has been appointed as Managing Director, succeeding Irvin Newbitt, who moves into the role of Chairman.
Walkerdine commented: “Ecoveritas is growing at a rapid pace, and I’m delighted to be here to lead the team through the next phase of our development.
“As companies begin receiving their first EPR invoices this year, many are seeing costs increase by up to seven times compared to previous years, particularly in relation to PRN expenditure.”
The company has also strengthened its executive board with two further appointments.
Matias Perez becomes Chief Commercial Officer, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in commercial strategy across Europe and Latin America.
Helen Hodgson steps up to Chief Product Officer after five years with Ecoveritas, and will drive the firm’s product strategy and development.
Recolight Board of Directors joined by Signify manager
Recolight has announced the appointment of Cameron Wilson to its Board of Directors, where he will represent founding member Signify.
Wilson, who has spent more than 25 years with the lighting manufacturer and currently serves as Customer Resolution Manager for the UK and Ireland, joins the board as a non-executive director.
He will work alongside chair Andreas Adam of LEDVANCE, Feilo Sylvania UK’s Andrew Clark and Trilux’s Steven Reed.
Wilson commented: “I’m a champion of Recolight’s Circular Economy activity, and all they do to raise the profile of the need for action on sustainability in the lighting industry.”
Recolight Chief Executive, Nigel Harvey, added: “We are delighted that Cameron has joined our Board. I know we will benefit from the breadth of his experience, and knowledge of our industry.
“Recolight continue to expand the range of services we offer to meet the changing needs of our Producer Members, and Cameron’s insight will help to shape our future direction.”
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