People round-up

Lifetime achievement award for ESAs Dennis

Mr Dennis was given the accolade at the MRW National Recycling Awards at the London Hilton on Park Lane yesterday (July 3).

Having joined the Association as executive director in 1993 when it was known as the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors (NAWDC) Mr Dennis has also served as president of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). His career in waste management began in 1964, when he joined the Deards group of companies upon leaving school.

On receiving the award, Mr Dennis said: It is an honour to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award from MRW, and I would like to thank them for selecting me.

The changes I have seen in the industry over the last 50 years show how the governments approach to resource management has altered. With the development of the circular economy, and the recent European Commission announcement of new targets, I am sure that the next 50 years will be just as exciting.

MRW editor Robin Latchem, said: Its always difficult to recognize lifetime achievement because it can have certain finality, but Im sure theres still plenty to come from Barry. He’s been in the business for over 50 years in a variety of roles and has genuinely seen – and overseen – huge changes in the waste industry over those years.

At the ESA, hes also had a leading role in the development of the association to one which has become a key authority in the sector. On all of these counts, Barry is a hugely worthy winner and I was honoured to present him with his award.

Bouts to lead European glass body FEVE

Erik Bouts, president of European glass packaging firm O-I Europe has been elected as president of FEVE the European Container Glass Federation.

The appointment was confirmed at the organisations annual general assembly in Venice last month, and will see Mr Bouts succeed Stefan Jaenecke, chief executive of Verallia Deutschland, who led the association for the previous two years.

Commenting on his election, Mr Bouts said: I look forward to working closely with FEVE members, staff, and the national associations to further develop the circular economy model which highly contributes to the competitiveness of the EU manufacturing sector. Glass is a material that has unique properties: we need to play our winning cards and continue to be the reference packaging material.

FEVE members have been a key driving force behind the European circular economy agenda, and I firmly believe that container glass is uniquely positioned to bring solutions to the big challenges of Resource Efficiency.

Geesinknorba appoints UK business director

RCV manufacturer Geesinknorba has appointed Colm McLister as UK business director.

Mr McLister has spent 24 years in capital equipment businesses including 14 years in the quarrying and demolition industry providing products such as rock crushers to customers worldwide. This was followed by a long spell in the oil and gas industry selling filtration units across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Colm said: My background is in finance and I have run three substantial companies in these sectors. Ive always been heavily involved in sales with customers all around the world ranging in size from small demolition firms to public sector giants like the MoD.

My job at Geesinknorba is to build up sales in the UK and Ireland. And having spoken to people who know the specific markets, the products are very good and the company has an enviable reputation for customer service so we have firm foundations to build on. Im delighted to join this forward-looking business at what is a very exciting time in the waste and recycling industry.