WRAP finances ‘excellent’ as Goodwin reveals departure

WRAP’s second ever chief executive, Dr Goodwin, 54, has led the organisation since 2007, including its transition to becoming a charity in 2014. She was appointed to the chief executive role after the departure of predecessor Jennie Price to Sport England.

Dr Goodwin, who has a PhD in chemical physics, joined WRAP in 2001 after several years working in the chemicals industry, for companies including ICI and Zeneca. She was awarded an OBE for services to business resource efficiency in June 2015.

According to the charity, Dr Goodwin’s departure will see WRAP left ”in an excellent position financially” with central government funding expected to be announced shortly, as well as a recent confirmation of an increase in funding for the WRAP Cymru from the Welsh Government.

Baton

In a statement, Dr Goodwin said: “My decision to stand down as CEO of WRAP was not an easy one to make. I love WRAP. I care deeply about the staff and the work we do. However, I think this is the right time to pass the baton on to someone else.

“The organisation is in great shape – we are making excellent progress towards our vision, working with many key partners, we expect to receive continued funding from our main government funders and we’re making good progress in developing other sources of income.

“I look forward to seeing WRAP continue to grow and prosper in future. I intend to continue working with WRAP in an indirect way and to continue to offer my knowledge and expertise gained over the past 14 years.”

The announcement signals yet another high profile announcement by a senior figure in the waste and recycling sector in 2016, with CIWM chief executive Steve Lee disclosing his intention to step down at the end of the year and Defra waste official Dr Colin Church also leaving his role.

Leadership

WRAP chair Julie Hill, added: “I would like to thank Liz for everything that she has done for WRAP since joining in 2001 and since taking over as CEO in 2007. Under Liz’s leadership, WRAP has delivered real and substantial change in the UK. It is now highly regarded both in the UK and internationally.

“To many people, WRAP and Liz are synonymous and she will be greatly missed. I know that Liz will continue to make a difference and WRAP looks forward to working with her in future.”