He becomes the third generation of the Grundon family to lead the business, which says it has a £120 million turnover and, together with sister company Grundon Sand & Gravel, employs more than 850 people.
Neil’s father, Norman Grundon, who held the role from 1993, will become honorary president, a position previously occupied by his own father and founder of the business, Stephen Grundon.
Paying tribute to his father, Neil said: “I am delighted to take on the position of chairman and would like to express my gratitude to my father for his trust and advice over the years, as well as the confidence he has shown in me throughout my career.
“I share his same passion for retaining an enterprising spirit within the business and the drive to continuously improve and be at the forefront of innovation.
“Together we have built a strong and profitable business, and I am enthusiastic about our prospects for the future. With a clear strategy, capable leadership team and excellent people across our diverse workforce, I fully believe that Grundon is well-positioned and perfectly equipped to capitalise on the numerous opportunities available.”
Family business
Neil joined the family business aged 23 in 1992, working his way up the ranks before being appointed deputy chairman in January 2012.
I fully believe that Grundon is well-positioned and perfectly equipped to capitalise on the numerous opportunities available
- Neil Grundon, chair of Grundon Waste Management
During his 30 years with the business, he has overseen a number of major developments, among them the adoption of alternative recycling and recovery technologies, including energy from waste (EfW) and promoting the diversion of waste away from landfill.
Grundon says his passion for sustainable waste and resource management has directed investment towards innovative technologies such as the company’s £3 million aerosol recycling facility and the introduction of artificial intelligence and robotic pickers at its recycling facilities.
He has spearheaded Grundon’s use of alternative fuels, including electric and hybrid diesel-hydrogen waste collection vehicles.
As deputy chairman, he championed Grundon’s major shareholding in O.C.O Technology, a carbon capture and utlilisation business which uses a patented process to recycle air pollution control residue from EfW plants into a “carbon negative” aggregate.
Neil is also treasurer of the Environmental Services Association, the trade association representing the private waste sector.
‘Ambitious’
Norman said he was “delighted” to hand the reins over to Neil. “We have seen the company grow to become one of the UK’s largest and most-respected waste management providers. I, along with Neil, remain as ambitious as ever for the business,” he said.
“These are exciting times, with lots of opportunities and I am positive that through our continued reinvestment in the business, whether it be in the latest innovative technologies, or training and professional development of our people, we will see Grundon Waste Management continue to go from strength-to-strength with Neil at the helm.”
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