Exchange for Change has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team who will now sit alongside the Board to finalise the operational blueprint, build key systems and processes and support industry in preparation for the launch of the DRS next year.
The not-for-profit, industry-led organisation is set to deliver the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the five appointments are as follows with a description of their roles:
Andrew Smith, chief operating officer: Leading operational planning and end-to-end delivery for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme, making sure the systems, process, logistics, infrastructure partners and enterprise procurement are in place ahead of October 2027.
Kate McFerran, Corporate Affairs Director: Leading government affairs, industry engagement, media and communications.
Rehan Akram, Legal Director: Overseeing regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting for Exchange for Change.
Henrik Malmquist, People Director: Leading all people and HR activity across Exchange for Change.
Trevor Gordon, Chief Information Officer: Leading the technology and data systems required to operate the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.
Russell Davies, chief executive of Exchange for Change, said: “More than 50 deposit return schemes already operate around the world, with another 20 due to launch in the next three years, and in October next year we will launch the world’s biggest DRS right here in the UK. Delivery is now our priority. We’re building the leadership capability that is vital to deliver this scheme, and these senior appointments strengthen our operational, legal, stakeholder and technology expertise to ensure the scheme is a success.
