As the non-profit gears up for the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027, several industry figureheads have been appointed onto its leadership team.
The five appointments include a chief operating officer, a corporate affairs director, a legal director, a people director, and a chief information officer, who will work alongside the Exchange for Change Board to finalise the operational blueprint, build key systems and processes, and support industry in preparation for the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
Who is the new leadership team?
Andrew Smith has been named as Exchange for Change’s chief operating officer, bringing with him international executive leadership experience across consumer, supply chain, logistics, waste management, and recycling.
Smith has led major strategic and operational transformational change programmes at organisations such as Diageo, ABF, BBC, IHG, Centrica and Reconomy Group.
As COO, he will be responsible for operational planning and end-to-end delivery for the UK’s DRS, making sure the systems, process, logistics, infrastructure partners and enterprise procurement ready ahead of next year’s launch.
Kate McFerran has also been hired, taking on the role of corporate affairs director.
She has worked in the UK and internationally within corporate affairs and communications across manufacturing, transport and energy. Previous roles include Veolia, the Federation of Master Builders and LNER; she has also been a consultant to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
In her new position, McFerran will lead government affairs, industry engagement, media and communications.
Meanwhile, Rehan Akram has been appointed as Exchange for Change’s legal director.
He boasts more than 25 year’s experience in legal across private practice and senior in-house roles, including within the FTSE 100. His background spans regulated and multi-stakeholder sectors, including aviation and retail, with a focus on governance and commercial leadership.
As legal director, Akram will oversee regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting.
Henrik Malmquist has been named as the company’s people director, bringing his experience in scaling FMCG-related businesses, and building people and HR functions that support long-term performance.
His career has entailed roles in talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement, and organisational design.
As people director, Malmquist will lead all people and HR activity across the company.
Finally, Trevor Gordon has been appointed as chief information officer.
His experience includes delivering large-scale operational and systems changes across organisations such as Diageo, Sodexo, Vodafone, Vue Entertainment, Selfridges, and Autotrader.
Prior to joining Exchange for Change, he served as chief digital & technology officer at Save the Children.
In his new role, Gordon will lead the technology and data systems required to operate the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.
Commenting on these new appointments, Russell Davies, who was named as CEO of Exchange for Change late last year, 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.
“Our focus is clear – finalise scheme design, build the systems and partnerships required, and work closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to ensure the scheme is practical, efficient and ready to launch on time.”
DRS logo guidance published
The news of these appointments follows shortly after Exchange for Change has laid out approved requirements for the scheme’s logo, which Davies says is set to become synonymous with the UK’s DRS and is intended to be instantly recognisable for consumers.
The newly published document stipulates full guidance for drinks producers on how to include the DRS logo on packaging. From 1 October 2027, use of the scheme logo in line with the published guidance will be mandatory for producers across the UK in order to remain compliant with DRS regulations.
“The scheme logo is visual shorthand for how the deposit return scheme works. From October next year, people will see this icon on every in-scope bottle and can across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The consistency of the DRS logo matters, as it will build recognition and help to drive behaviour change in recycling,” Davies explained.
“Publishing the approved Regulatory Requirements gives drinks producers the clarity they need to plan artwork cycles and packaging updates with confidence. We’re focused on giving industry time, certainty and support as we move towards launch.”
Exchange For Change will manage the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has applied to manage the deposit return scheme planned for introduction in Wales in October 2027.