David Gell joins Exchange for Change as Head of External Affairs
David Gell has joined Exchange for Change as Head of External Affairs after almost eight years at Defra.
Gell most recently served as Head of Policy and Strategy for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), where he led the team responsible for introducing the scheme for drinks containers.
His work included policy development, stakeholder engagement and the appointment of the Deposit Management Organisation, Exchange for Change.
Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Gell reflected on his time in government, having first joined Defra in 2018 to work on EU Exit policy for the waste sector before moving onto the DRS programme.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Exchange for Change as head of external affairs. Same objective, different hat – less than 15 months to scheme launch and lots to do.
“Very excited to be working with Kate McFerran and the wider team as we start growing out the Corporate Affairs function.”
CIRQLR appoints Rob Drewitt as Cox Group General Manager
Business recycling group CIRQLR has appointed Rob Drewitt as General Manager for Cox Group, the Surrey and Sussex operator within its Southern Division.
Drewitt joins from Biffa, where he spent the past two years as a Depot Manager overseeing operations from south of the M25 to the south coast.
He brings 16 years of leadership experience and will oversee Cox Group’s operations as CIRQLR expands its recycling services across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
Commenting on his appointment, Drewitt said: “The ambition for growth and excellence in everything CIRQLR does is what attracted me to make a move across industry sectors so that we can be the very best in recycling across the South.
“It’s invigorating to join a business recycling group that is on the up and wants to do more for customers.
“Knowing my long-time mentors Katie and Catherine had moved over to be in the driving seat here was always going to be a big tick of confidence for CIRQLR’s vision. We are already motoring.”
Katie Treacy and Catherine Parkinson were recently announced as the respective Managing Director and Finance Director of CIRQLR’s Southern Division.
New Managing Director appointed to BioteCH4
BioteCH4 has appointed Andrew Simm as managing director of its food waste anaerobic digestion (AD) business as it continues its three-year growth strategy.
Simm joins from Severn Trent Green Power, bringing 14 years’ experience in the organic waste and AD sector.
He will lead BioteCH4’s food waste AD division through its next phase of operational and commercial growth.
Group chief executive Christer Stoyell said the appointment was “a significant milestone” for both the food waste AD business and the wider group’s expansion plans.
Commenting on his new role, Simm said: “BioteCH4 is entering a defining phase of its growth journey, and I’m thrilled to step in as managing director at such a pivotal moment.
“With 14 years of experience in the organic waste sector, I’m energised by the opportunity to help accelerate a business with outstanding ambition, a strong innovation pipeline, and a clear commitment to environmental excellence.”
New Director of Finance joins HAHN Plastics UK
HAHN Plastics UK has appointed Rob Pietrzak as director of finance and professional services as the company continues its investment and growth programme.
Pietrzak joins the Greater Manchester-based business with more than 25 years of finance experience, including over 16 years in senior finance roles with a global medical technology company.
In his new position, he will oversee strategic planning, financial reporting and budgeting, alongside the company’s HR and IT functions.
Commenting on his appointment, Pietrzak said he was “delighted” to join HAHN Plastics UK at an exciting stage in its development and looked forward to supporting its long-term ambitions.
General Manager Max Cardona added: “We’re investing significantly in our site, our systems and our people as we build the foundations for the next phase of growth, and Rob’s expertise will be instrumental in helping us achieve those ambitions.
“His collaborative approach and focus on continuous improvement make him an excellent addition to our leadership team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”
Polytag announces Chief Strategy Officer in next phase of growth
Polytag has appointed Alex Webster as Chief Strategy Officer as it looks to accelerate its next phase of growth amid increasing demand for product data solutions.
Webster joins with experience in data-led businesses across the fintech, loyalty and consumer technology sectors.
He has also spent the past seven years building consumer drinks brand GENIE Drinks, where he adopted Polytag’s connected packaging technology as a customer.
Commenting on his appointment, Webster said: “We are now entering a critical moment for the industries Polytag serves, with regulatory and technological change driving a movement to connect physical packaging to digital experiences.”
In his new role, Webster will lead Polytag’s long-term growth strategy, helping to strengthen the company’s position in connected packaging as brands prepare for initiatives including GS1 Sunrise 2027 and Digital Product Passport requirements.
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