The management organisation for the UK’s looming deposit return scheme (DRS) has announced its first chief executive, in the form of ex DHL logistics boss Russell Davies.
Davies, who brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across senior logistics and supply roles, will lead the UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO), the business-led, not-for-profit organisation responsible for designing, delivering and operating DRS across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, from October 2027.
Most recently Davies served as chief executive officer for North Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Hillebrand Gori, a DHL company specialising in beverage logistics, where he led teams across multiple international markets.
The DMO said Davies had shown he could drive significant improvements in operational performance and sustainability, with his role involving overseeing the movement of millions of litres of wine, beer and spirits around the world.
He also championed the use of technology and low-carbon transport solutions to create a more connected, efficient and environmentally responsible supply chain for producers and importers alike, it said.
Previously Davies held senior roles at GKN Automotive, DHL Freight UK and Savoye.
He will formally take up the role as UK DMO CEO on 5 January.
It comes with the body set to begin work on the design of the Retail Handling Fee and Producer Fee structures for DRS, as well as identifying the logistics, collection and recycling partners for the scheme.
Negotiations are still ongoing with the Welsh government, which has said it will launch at the same time as the rest of the UK, but has sparked concerns of logistical chaos with its plans to include glass from day one of the scheme.
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Davies’ appointment comes after former FareShare chair and Associated British Foods finance boss John Bason became the the first chairman of the DMO in August.
Bason was ABF finance director for more than two decades, from May 1999 until April 2023.
Davies said: “It’s an honour to join UK DMO at such a pivotal moment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a scheme that works for business, for consumers and for the environment – a system that changes how the UK manages packaging and recycling.
“I’ve spent my career building and leading commercial operations at scale, and I know success depends on clarity, collaboration and execution. My focus now is on delivery – making sure the DMO has the capability, partnerships and momentum to make this scheme a success.
“That work is already underway. We’ve published our Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) specification, established our headquarters in Milton Keynes, and are expanding our leadership team across key functions. At the same time, we’re working hand-in-hand with industry, government and supply chain partners to ensure the scheme is designed with their needs in mind and can be delivered in a way that works for everyone.”
Bason added: “We’re delighted to welcome Russell to the DMO. His appointment marks another important step forward as we strengthen our leadership team and accelerate preparations for delivery. Russell brings extensive experience in managing complex operational networks and working across business and government to achieve large-scale change. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the DMO is ready to deliver a scheme that is practical, efficient and trusted by the public.”
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