The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO), the business-led, not-for-profit organisation responsible for designing, delivering and operating the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, has appointed Russell Davies as its Chief Executive Officer.
Russell brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across global logistics, supply chain management and commercial strategy. Most recently, he 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.
In this role, Russell drove significant improvements in operational performance and sustainability, overseeing the movement of millions of litres of wine, beer and spirits around the world. He 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.
Earlier in his career, Russell held senior roles at GKN Automotive, DHL Freight UK and Savoye, gaining deep expertise in logistics automation, complex network management and large-scale operational delivery. Russell will formally take up the role as UK DMO CEO on 5th January 2026.
As CEO, Davies will lead the DMO in driving operational delivery, accelerating readiness, and ensuring all parts of the Deposit Return Scheme are prepared for launch in October 2027. In the coming months this will see the organisation finalising its operational blueprint, consulting on the design of the Retail Handling Fee and Producer Fee structures and identifying the logistics, collection and recycling partners for the scheme.
“It’s an honour to join UK DMO at such a pivotal moment," said Davies. "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.
The Deposit Return Scheme will cover drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel and aluminium between 150 ml and three litres, reducing litter, improving recycling and supporting the transition to a more circular economy. It will be the largest environmental infrastructure programme of its kind ever delivered in the UK.