Peter has a track record of developing waste facilities and of financing waste infrastructure as well as having a high profile within the waste industry, sitting as a member on several government advisory bodies, such as Defra's new technologies working group.
London Councils has appointed the remaining six members; four borough representatives (detailed below) and two independent representatives: Peter Calliafas and Valerie Owen OBE.
Mr Calliafas is an experienced company director with a comprehensive knowledge of waste management and a background in banking and finance. He is currently chairman of the body advising the government on waste electrical and electronic equipment (see letsrecycle.com story).
Ms Owen is managing director of Le Vaillant Owen Consultancy, specialising in sustainable development; she was previously managing director of London First, and chaired its Sustainable Development Task Force for London.
The London Waste and Recycling Board was set up as a way to bring together everyone involved in managing the capital's waste to boost recycling and reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.
The Mayor announced in May that he would chair the Board, which will have a budget of £60million – he has also pledged up to £24 million of additional London Development Agency funds to support the work of the Board.
Mr Johnson said: “Boosting London's recycling rate and sending less waste to landfill is a top priority for my administration. The Waste and Recycling Board represents a new dawn for the capital and the way it tackles rubbish – it will mean for the first time, the Mayor of London and London's councils working together in partnership finding innovative solutions to tackle this complex environmental challenge.
“Whereas the previous Mayor chose to battle against London's boroughs, I am determined to see that we join forces for the mutual benefit of Londoners so they can recycle more of their waste more easily. To that end, I am pleased to announce today that Peter Jones will be my appointee on the Board.
“Peter has an impressive background in the world of waste allowing him to gain outstanding understanding and technical expertise. Together with the other excellent individuals on the Board, I am confident that we have assembled a crack team to tackle this pressing issue,” he added.
London Councils' chairman, councillor Merrick Cockell, also welcomed the appointments.
He said: 'We are delighted to announce the team who will lead the campaign to increase recycling in the capital. Together the Board members provide an ideal balance of strategic, local and private sector experience and by harnessing their talent, we will ensure that London sets an example for the rest of Europe to follow.'
FULL BOARD LINE UP:
Appointed by the Mayor
• The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson (Chairman)
• Peter Jones OBE – Over 20 years experience in the waste industry, all with Biffa Limited. Latterly, as Development and External Affairs director, he was responsible for brand development and reputational issues with strategic partners, during the period in which the company grew from £40 million to £760 million turnover (both organic and acquisitive growth). Well-known as a public communicator on the economic, technological and socio-political dimensions of the sector, he has been a member of Defra's new technologies working group, Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) panel and formerly the DTI's Environmental Innovation Advisory Group.
Appointed by London Councils
• Councillor David Williams, leaders, London Borough of Merton
• Councillor Daniel Moylan, deputy leader, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and Chairman of London Councils Transport and Environment Committee
• Councillor Clyde Loakes, leader, London Borough of Waltham Forest
• Councillor Colin Hall, deputy leader, London Borough of Sutton, and vice chairman of London Councils Transport and Environment Committee
• Peter Calliafas – an experienced company director with a comprehensive knowledge of the waste management, recycling and renewable energy sectors (including previously chairing the Defra New Technologies Advisory Committee) and a background in banking and finance. He is currently chairman of the WEEE Advisory Body, an independent public body established to provide impartial advice to Government on any matters relating to the implementation of the WEEE Directive and UK Regulations.
• Valerie Owen OBE – currently managing director of a consultancy specialising in sustainable development and community regeneration, after a Directorship in a global real estate consultancy with a $2 billion turnover. For over 10 years Ms Owen worked at Jones Lang LaSalle, becoming the first Architect Partner in the history of the firm in 1994, and the only female Partner in Asset Management in Europe. Ms Owen is also a previous managing director of London First, the business membership organisation representing around a quarter of London's blue-chip businesses.
The Board's first meeting is due to take place on Thursday, 11 September 2008.
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