Exchange for Change has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team as it prepares for the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.

The not-for-profit, industry-led body said the appointments strengthen its capabilities across operations, corporate affairs, legal, people and technology as it finalises the scheme’s operational framework.

The new executives will work with the board to complete the operational blueprint, develop systems and processes, and support drinks producers, retailers and other stakeholders ahead of implementation.

Andrew Smith joins as chief operating officer. He brings international executive experience across consumer goods, supply chain, logistics, waste management and recycling.

His previous roles include senior positions at Diageo, Associated British Foods, BBC, IHG, Centrica and Reconomy Group. He will lead operational planning and end-to-end delivery, including systems, logistics, infrastructure partnerships and procurement.

Strengthening the organisation’s external engagement capability, Kate McFerran has been appointed corporate affairs director.

She brings experience leading communications and public affairs functions across regulated sectors, including manufacturing, transport and energy. Her previous roles include positions at Veolia, Federation of Master Builders and LNER, as well as consultancy work with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. She will oversee government relations, industry engagement and media communications.

On the legal front, Rehan Akram joins as legal director with more than 25 years’ experience across private practice and senior in-house roles, including within FTSE 100 organisations. His background covers regulated and multi-stakeholder sectors such as aviation and retail, with a focus on governance and commercial leadership. He will be responsible for regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting.

L-R: Andrew Smith, Kate McFerran and Rehan Akram

The organisation has also appointed Henrik Malmquist as people director. With experience scaling FMCG-related businesses and building HR functions to support long-term performance, his background spans talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement and organisational design. He will lead all people and HR activity across Exchange for Change.

Completing the senior leadership appointments, Trevor Gordon joins as chief information officer. A senior digital and technology leader, he has delivered large-scale operational and systems transformation programmes at Sodexo, Vodafone, Vue Entertainment, Selfridges and Autotrader.

Most recently, he served as chief digital and technology officer at Save the Children. He will lead the development and implementation of the technology and data systems required to operate the DRS.

L-R: Henrik Malmquist and Trevor Gordon

Russell Davies, CEO 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".

He continued: “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.”