The organisation, which is responsible for delivering the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, said the appointments strengthen its capability across operations, corporate affairs, legal, people and technology.
Appointments to deliver Deposit Return Scheme
The new appointees will work alongside the Exchange for Change Board to finalise the operational blueprint, build the systems and processes underpinning the scheme and support industry in advance of next year’s launch.
Russell Davies, who took up the role of Chief Executive in January 2026, commented: “More than 50 deposit return schemes already operate around the world, with another 20 due to launch in the next three years, and in October next year we will launch the world’s biggest DRS right here in the UK.
“Delivery is now our priority. We’re building the leadership capability that is vital to deliver this scheme.
“Our focus is clear – finalise scheme design, build the systems and partnerships required, and work closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to ensure the scheme is practical, efficient and ready to launch on time.”
Andrew Smith, Chief Operating Officer
Andrew Smith joins as Chief Operating Officer, bringing international executive leadership experience across consumer, supply chain, logistics, waste management and recycling.
He has led major strategic and operational transformation programmes at organisations including Diageo, Associated British Foods, BBC, IHG, Centrica and Reconomy Group.
As chief operating officer, Smith will lead operational planning and end-to-end delivery for the UK’s DRS, ensuring systems, processes, logistics, infrastructure partners and enterprise procurement are in place ahead of October 2027.
Kate McFerran, Corporate Affairs Director
Kate McFerran has been appointed Corporate Affairs Director, with responsibility for government affairs, industry engagement, media and communications.
She brings experience leading corporate affairs and communications in regulated sectors in the UK and internationally, including manufacturing, transport and energy.
Her previous roles include Veolia, the Federation of Master Builders and LNER. She has also worked in the food and beverage sector, including as a consultant to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
Rehan Akram, Legal Director
Rehan Akram joins as legal director, bringing more than 25 years’ legal experience across private practice and senior in-house roles in the UK and internationally, including within the FTSE 100.
His background spans regulated and multi-stakeholder sectors, including aviation and retail, with a focus on governance and commercial leadership.
At Exchange for Change, Akram will oversee regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting.
Henrik Malmquist, People Director
Henrik Malmquist has been appointed people director, with responsibility for all people and HR activity across the organisation.
He brings experience scaling FMCG-related businesses and building people and HR functions that support long-term performance, with a career spanning talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement and organisational design.
Trevor Gordon, Chief Information Officer
Trevor Gordon joins as Chief Information Officer and will lead the technology and data systems required to operate the UK’s DRS.
He is a senior digital and technology leader with experience delivering large-scale operational and systems change across organisations including Diageo, Sodexo, Vodafone, Vue Entertainment, Selfridges and Autotrader.
Prior to joining Exchange for Change, he served as chief digital and technology officer at Save the Children.
Find out more about the policy and regulation updates, technology and infrastructure, and consumer engaging ahead of the introduction of the scheme at the Deposit Return Scheme Conference on 30 April 2026 in London.
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