Simon James takes over as Interim Director for Circular Economy at Defra
Simon James has been appointed interim director for circular economy at Defra, taking up the role in February 2026.
James moves into the position after three years leading the government’s NO2 Programme as deputy director in the Joint Air Quality Unit, where he helped oversee the UK’s largest air quality initiative delivered jointly by Defra and the Department for Transport.
In a post announcing the appointment, James said: “After three incredible years running the NO2 Programme I’m delighted to be starting a new role in Defra as interim director, circular economy.
“There’s a huge and important agenda to tackle: plastics and packaging reform, delivering the Circular Economy Growth Plan, and tackling waste crime.”
James has worked in the Civil Service for more than 20 years. He joined Defra in 2019 following roles across government, including at the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice and the UK Border Agency.
HAHN Plastics appoints new General Manager amid UK expansion
Max Cardona has been appointed General Manager of HAHN Plastics UK (HPUK), strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues to invest in its UK operations.
Based at the company’s Manchester site, Cardona brings more than 30 years of experience spanning engineering, process automation and business management.
His appointment comes as parent company HAHN Group progresses a multi-million-pound investment programme aimed at future-proofing its UK manufacturing operations and supporting long-term growth.
In his new role, Cardona will help deliver HPUK’s five-year expansion plans, scaling up production as the business grows.
Commenting on his appointment, Cardona said: “I’m excited to be joining HAHN at such a pivotal time for its UK growth. The scale of investment underway shows a business committed to doing the right thing for its people, its customers and the environment.”
Ward appoints Denise Banks as Head of Sales for waste division
Ward has appointed Denise Banks as head of sales (waste) to drive commercial growth across its industrial and commercial (I&C) waste services operations.
Banks brings more than 35 years of experience in the waste sector, having held commercial roles at a range of regional SME waste firms as well as multinational providers.
She has extensive experience in developing waste management sales and building customer-focused commercial teams.
Banks commented: “I’m really excited to join the Ward team. It’s a long-established, well-respected provider and an innovative, independent family business with an ambitious growth strategy.”
In her new role, Banks will focus on strengthening and developing Ward’s sales team, improving customer retention and supporting key account management across the company’s business waste collection and compaction services.
Levenseat Resource Management expands board with two appointments
Levenseat Resource Management (LRM) has strengthened its board with the appointments of Chris Walker and Alan Frain.
Walker, a green technology and renewable energy entrepreneur and chairman of Muirhall Energy, Scotland’s largest independent renewables developer, joins the LRM board as a main board director.
Frain, a financial and turnaround specialist with more than 25 years’ experience in corporate banking, also joins the board.
The appointments bring additional expertise in business development and sustainable operations as the company continues to support Scotland’s transition to zero waste and net-zero targets.
Commenting on his appointment, Walker said: “Sustainability and the circular economy have been central to my professional life for the last three decades.
“I am excited to be in a position to contribute to a business that is a true major player in the circular economy.”
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