Davies will formally take up the role on 5 January 2026.
The UK DMO is the business-led, not-for-profit organisation responsible for designing, delivering and operating the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, which is scheduled to launch in October 2027.
As CEO, Davies will lead the organisation through the critical next phase of its development, overseeing operational delivery, accelerating readiness and ensuring all aspects of the DRS are prepared for implementation.
In the coming months, this will include finalising the operational blueprint, consulting on Retail Handling Fee and Producer Fee structures and identifying logistics, collection and recycling partners for the scheme.
John Bason, Chair of the UK DMO Board, who was appointed in August 2025, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Russell to the DMO. His appointment marks another important step forward as we strengthen our leadership team and accelerate preparations for delivery.
“Russell brings extensive experience in managing complex operational networks and working across business and government to achieve large-scale change.
“His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the DMO is ready to deliver a scheme that is practical, efficient and trusted by the public.”
‘My focus now is on delivery’
Davies brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across global logistics, supply chain management and commercial strategy.
Commenting on his appointment, Davies said: “It’s an honour to join UK DMO at such a pivotal moment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a scheme that works for business, for consumers and for the environment – a system that changes how the UK manages packaging and recycling.
“I’ve spent my career building and leading commercial operations at scale, and I know success depends on clarity, collaboration and execution.
“My focus now is on delivery – making sure the DMO has the capability, partnerships and momentum to make this scheme a success.”
Most recently, he served as CEO for North Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Hillebrand Gori, a beverage logistics DHL company.
During his tenure, Davies oversaw the movement of millions of litres of wine, beer and spirits worldwide and “championed” the use of technology and low-carbon transport solutions.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at GKN Automotive, DHL Freight UK and Savoye.
Davies added: “That work is already underway. We’ve published our Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) specification, established our headquarters in Milton Keynes, and are expanding our leadership team across key functions.
“At the same time, we’re working hand-in-hand with industry, government and supply chain partners to ensure the scheme is designed with their needs in mind and can be delivered in a way that works for everyone.”
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