Rakhshan Zahid replaces Claire Webb as Reconomy chief executive of reuse
Circular economy specialist Reconomy has appointed Rakhshan Zahid as its new chief executive of reuse.
Zahid officially replaced Claire Webb on 27 January 2025.
Reconomy’s reuse division focuses on circular logistics and is made up of its subsidiaries Advanced Supply Chain and ReBound.
Having spent 10 years at Amazon, Zahid will bring her experience in strategic growth, operational excellence and innovation.
Guy Wakeley, chief executive at Reconomy, said: “Reconomy’s Re-use loop is one of our key divisions and counts many of the most successful, fast-growing retailers and ecommerce brands as customers. There’s significant opportunity for the businesses we partner with to benefit from our global sustainable, omnichannel pre-retail and returns experience as they move towards more circular supply chains. We’re delighted to welcome Rakhshan who brings an impressive track record and considerable experience of significantly scaling retail businesses, which will prove invaluable as we embark on the next phase of growth for Re-use.
“We are extremely grateful for Claire’s outstanding contributions to both Advanced Supply Chain during her tenure as CEO, which played a crucial part in the business’ growth and success, and more recently to Reconomy as executive chair for the Re-use loop.”
ACE UK makes Ben Powell head of external affairs
The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE UK) has appointed Ben Powell as its new head of external affairs.
He has a background in public affairs, stakeholder engagement and policy development, having previously held a leadership position at a strategic communications consultancy.
Powell commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining ACE UK at such a transformative time for the recycling and packaging industry. With the Simpler Recycling reforms on the horizon, there is an incredible opportunity to align the UK’s waste infrastructure with ambitious sustainability goals.
“I look forward to working with policymakers, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to make carton recycling an integral part of the nation’s recycling system.”
Eunomia new head of strategy confirmed as Richard Waters
Eunomia has announced that its new head of strategy will be Richard Waters. He will also be the head of its London office.
Waters has worked in consultancy for over two decades – ten of those has been focused specifically on sustainability.
He is a qualified chartered engineer and has worked in industries such as telecoms, automotive, retail, hospitality and leisure and logistics.
Waters said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as head of strategy and the London office at Eunomia, a values-based consultancy renowned for the impactful, evidence-based research it delivers for clients. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Eunomia experts who are leaders in their fields and passionate about providing pragmatic solutions to the planetary crisis. Alongside the right policies and implementation plans, the right strategy is an essential part of the puzzle when it comes to transitioning to sustainable, profitable, business models.”
Dr Christian Hower-Knobloch to become CEO of Weltec Group
The Weltec Group has announced that Dr Christian Hower-Knobloch will be joining it on 1 May 2025 as CEO.
In a statement the biogas company thanked its previous CEO: “Our thanks and appreciation go to Jens Albartus, who will hand over his responsibilities as CEO to Dr Christian Hower-Knobloch at the end of April 2025.
“Albartus, will focus on Weltec Biopower and a number of other projects within the company. He will remain closely associated with Weltec Holding in an advisory capacity until further notice.”
Based in Germany, the group builds and operates biogas and biomethane plants throughout the country and abroad. The group employs 170 people and has worked on over 400 energy plants on five continents.
WRAP CEO appointed to BAFTA albert board
CEO of environmental action NGO WRAP, Harriet Lamb, has been made one of three non-executive directors of “BAFTA albert” board.
BAFTA albert focuses on environmental sustainability in the film and TV industries.
The other non-executive directors are Dr Sadia Ahmed of Deloitte and Francesca Pomponi from the University of York.
The appointments came after a strategic review recommended the establishment of a new board.
Ralph Lee, chair of the new board, said: “The severity of the climate crisis requires the input of the best minds and those with the greatest passion to make a difference.
“The new BAFTA albert board is an exceptional group of experts who will be able to use their insights and experience to make a genuine impact on the work albert does. I’m excited to bring together the board alongside our industry partners and work together to deliver against BAFTA albert’s ambitious three-year strategy.”
The non-executive directors are joined by representatives for the BAFTA albert steering group which is comprised of broadcasters including Sky, ITV, BBC, Netflix and Amazon MGM.
Andrew McFadzean joins RPM sales team
Andrew McFadzean has joined the sales team at Recycling, Plant and Machinery (RPM).
He has a background in haulage and waste management and holds a COTC NVQ4.
Managing director at RPM, Paul Caldwell, said: “Developing markets and ever-changing specifications in RDF/SRF and Qualified Fines means having the correct machine for the correct specification is ever more critical to ensuring quality and continuity of supply to your valued offtaker.
“Andrew’s integrity and desire to maintain a legacy of excellence in customer service and promote modern technology throughout the environmental and logistics sectors has now culminated in his appointment with RPM.
“Welcome to the RPM Team!”
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