Niamh Lawlor appointed as Chief Financial Officer of UK DMO
The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has appointed Niamh Lawlor as its Chief Financial Officer, completing its board as it prepares to deliver the deposit return scheme (DRS) across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Lawlor joins from value retailer Poundstretcher, where she served as CFO for the past year.
Prior to that, she spent 25 years at Tesco, including three years as CFO of Tesco Ireland during the time that Ireland was delivering its own DRS.
Commenting on her new role, Lawlor said: “The DMO has made strong progress in a short space of time, and I’m pleased to be joining at this important next phase.
“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to help build the financial foundations needed to support the successful delivery of the scheme.”
UK DMO Chair John Bason added: “Niamh’s appointment is an important step for the organisation.
“With board positions now filled and organisational structures in place, we are moving into the next phase of work – finalising scheme design and supporting industry readiness across the UK, to ensure the scheme is practical, fair and works for everyone involved.”
Ed Woodall to take over as ACS Chief Executive
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has appointed Ed Woodall as its new Chief Executive, effective from 1 March 2026.
He succeeds James Lowman, who announced his departure in September 2025 after 19 years in the role.
Woodall joined ACS in 2009 as a Public Affairs Assistant and has progressed through the organisation, leading its policy work and political engagement.
He was appointed Head of Government Relations in 2014 and became Government Relations Director in 2020.
Commenting on his appointment, Woodall said: “I want to build on our past and lead these people and businesses into an exciting future where we can engage more people and achieve even greater influence over key policy issues on our members’ behalf.”
ACS Chairman Phil Ponsonby added: “We are delighted to have made this appointment.
“Ed has senior experience, exceptional campaigning and engagement skills, understanding of the convenience industry, and excellent relationships with retailers, government, other organisations and suppliers.
“He has a clear vision which chimes with the ACS board: to make ACS the most effective voice, inclusive community and valuable resource possible.”
Zero Waste Scotland names Ciaran McGuigan as Chief Executive
Zero Waste Scotland has appointed Ciaran McGuigan as its new Chief Executive, with McGuigan formally taking up the role on 1 February 2026.
He succeeds Iain Gulland, who recently stepped down after 11 years leading the organisation.
McGuigan has been Zero Waste Scotland’s Finance and Corporate Services Director for the past four years, during which time he has played a key role in preparing the organisation for its transition to non-departmental public body status and shaping its current corporate plan.
Zero Waste Scotland’s Chair Dominic Fry said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Ciaran’s promotion to the role of Chief Executive.
“He is a natural and worthy successor to Iain, and I look forward to working closely with him in the years to come.”
McGuigan added: “It is a huge privilege for me to have the opportunity to lead Zero Waste Scotland into our next phase as we grow the circular economy, create skilled green jobs, help regenerate communities, and deliver a resilient and prosperous economy that reduces our climate impact.”
The appointment was approved by Scottish Government, in line with standard practice for Government bodies.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, commented: “I want to welcome Ciaran McGuigan to the role of Zero Waste Scotland Chief Executive and thank Iain Gulland for his long service to the organisation.
“The Scottish Government is committed to achieving a more circular economy – one where we keep materials and goods in use for as long as possible – and Zero Waste Scotland is a key partner in supporting us with this ambition.”
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