Exchange for Change, the not-for-profit, industry-led organisation delivering the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team as preparations continue for the October 2027 launch.
The appointments further strengthen the organisation’s capability across operations, corporate affairs, legal, people and technology – core functions required to deliver a scheme that works for consumers and businesses across the drinks supply chain.
The appointees 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 DRS next year.
Andrew Smith, Chief Operating Officer
Andrew brings extensive international executive leadership experience across consumer, supply chain, logistics, waste management and recycling. He has led major strategic and operational transformational change programmes at organisations including Diageo, ABF, BBC, IHG, Centrica and Reconomy Group.
As Chief Operating Officer, Andrew will lead 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
Kate brings expertise in leading corporate affairs and communications in regulated sectors in the UK and internationally, including manufacturing, transport and energy. She has worked on large infrastructure and policy projects, building strong relationships with government, media and industry stakeholders.
Her previous roles include Veolia, the Federation of Master Builders and LNER. She also has worked in the food and beverage sector, including as a consultant to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
As Corporate Affairs Director, Kate will lead government affairs, industry engagement, media and communications.
Rehan Akram, Legal Director
Image: Exchange for Change
Rehan brings more than 25 years' legal experience across private practice and senior in-house roles in the UK and internationally, 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, Rehan will oversee regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting for Exchange for Change.
Henrik Malmquist, People Director
Henrik brings experience scaling FMCG-related businesses and building people and HR functions that support long-term performance.
His career spans talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement and organisational design.
As People Director, Henrik will lead all people and HR activity across Exchange for Change.
Trevor Gordon, Chief Information Officer
Trevor GordonImage: Exchange for Change
Trevor is a senior digital and technology leader with experience delivering large-scale operational and systems changes across organisations including 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.
As Chief Information Officer, Trevor will lead the technology and data systems required to operate the UK's Deposit Return Scheme.
'Delivery is our priority'
"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," said Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change.
“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.”