He is taking over from Richard Coulson who will be stepping down after a four-year term. Coulson chaired his final members’ meeting and AGM in Bristol yesterday (19 March 2025).
Hayton is currently the director of wood recycling company EGGER Timberpak – which sources waste wood for EGGER’s chipboard production sites.
He contributed to the growth of Timberpak from a single site processing 20,000 tonnes-a-year to a four-site operation processing more than 400,000 tonnes of waste wood a year.
The incoming chair said: “It is a privilege to be appointed chair of the WRA and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to build on the strong foundations built by my predecessors. There is a lot going on in the industry at the moment which impacts our members and I will be honoured to represent the sector as chair.”
Alongside Hayton, WRA board member and CEO of Seras Richard Jenkins was appointed WRA deputy chair – also known as chair in waiting. Jenkins will work closely with Hayton to steer the WRA.
Jenkins added: “I’m delighted to take on the role of deputy chair at what is a pivotal time for the sector and look forward to working with Mark to drive forward the WRA’s important work.”
Andy Hill has stepped down as deputy chair and will be departing the WRA board alongside Alan Webb. The latter will now become an honorary life president of the WRA.
Elizabeth Green of Community Wood Recycling and Oliver Latter from Veolia were elected as new members on the WRA Board to replace Hill and Webb.
Julia Turner, executive director of the WRA, commented on the changes to the board: “Mark has been a prominent voice on our board for the last 11 years and he and Richard Jenkins bring with them so much expertise and leadership experience. I look forward to working with them both to ensure the WRA continues to deliver for its members and represent them at the highest levels.
“I would also like to welcome to the board Elizabeth Green and Oliver Latter, who have a wealth of experience in reuse, recycling and waste management and will be very valuable additions.
“Finally, a huge thank you on behalf of everyone at the WRA to Richard Coulson for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the WRA. Richard has expertly led our Association over the past four years and we are very pleased that he will remain on our board and continue to lead our biomass advocacy work.”
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