UK – British non-governmental organization (NGO) WasteAid has appointed environmental entrepreneur Jonathan Straight as its new chairman.
WasteAid works with communities and policymakers in low and middle-income countries to implement waste management and recycling programs.
Before being named Chairman, Straight was previously a trustee of WasteAid and has three decades of experience in the waste industry.
He takes over as chair of the board from Sarahjane Widdowson, who will still remain on the board of trustees.
On his appointment, Straight said: “WasteAid’s mission is very close to my heart and I’m looking forward to working with the board and the wider team to help the continued expansion of our activity.
“At a time when the world is facing an environmental crisis, WasteAid and its partners have a critical role to play in empowering local communities to safely manage their waste while also delivering important socioeconomic benefits at a grassroots level.”
Straight previously chaired food recyclers, The Real Junk Food Project, and was a non-executive director of Waterwise for 10 years.
Along with his role as chairman of WasteAid, he is a trustee with several other charities, a board advisor to surplus food traders, Surplus Group Limited, and a member of the British Library Advisory Council.
Ceris Turner-Bailes, chief executive of WasteAid, added: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan as chairman and equally offer our heartfelt thanks to Sarahjane for her tireless work for the charity.
“Jonathan offers a wealth of expertise in the field of recycling and his commercial knowledge and charitable work are invaluable to us. I look forward to working with him closely as WasteAid continues to develop.”
Cullen Packaging appoints new head of sale
Molded pulp and corrugated packaging giant Cullen Eco Packaging has made a new strategic senior appointment, hiring Phil Brien as head of sales for molded fiber.
Brien will address what Cullen said is the growing number of inquiries the business is seeing for high volumes of sustainable replacements for the plastic packaging currently on shelves.
He will also drive the deployment of the new Cullen Fiber Bottle innovation, which is currently on trial with a ‘major global FMCG producer.’
David MacDonald, Cullen ECO-Friendly Packaging’s owner and chief executive, said: “Demand for plastic alternatives is going through the roof so Phil’s appointment comes at a crucial time for us and our customers.
“He will be instrumental in helping replace plastic packaging in the UK and our 34 export markets.”
His appointment will prove a boon to retailers and producers switching to 100% recyclable packaging to reduce their EPR tax burden and hit their sustainability goals.
On his appointment, Brien said: “Cullen is an incredible, innovative company that’s growing fast.
“The demand and capacity are there, so my job is to go out and connect clients with our packaging innovations to strip billions of plastic wastes out of our environment. It’s an exciting time and I can’t wait to get started.”
i2r appoints new commercial director
Aluminium foil tray manufacturer i2r Packaging Solutions has appointed Katy Rogers as commercial director to steer its growth.
Working closely with management teams, supporting growth strategy and continuous improvement, Katy will be responsible for the development and implementation of the business’s commercial strategy, which supports the sustainable growth of i2r globally.
Rogers said: “I very much look forward to the challenges ahead here at i2r. The company has sustained remarkable growth since its inception and being part of its next chapter is a huge privilege as it enters its next stage of growth and evolution.”
As an experienced sales and marketing leader, with a history of working in the consumer goods and building industry, Katy possesses solid commercial acumen and is particularly skilled in marketing, sales, people management and working across international markets.
James Knight, managing director, added: “I am very excited to welcome Katy to the role of commercial director.
“Going forward, she will work closely with me and the senior leadership team on areas including expansion into new markets, key customer relationships, external communications and field leadership development.
“She joins the company at an important phase in its development and I look forward to seeing her play a central role in delivering growth for the future.”
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