APCO announces CEO transition
The Board of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) announced today that Chief Executive Officer Chris Foley has given notice of his intention to step down at the end of November, after four years in the role.
During Chris’s tenure, APCO has achieved significant change in how it operates and engages with the packaging supply chain and all tiers of government, and in how it works with and advocates for its 2,500 members. Brand owner participation in the Australian Packaging Covenant has grown from 900 signatories in 2018 to 2,500 today, the Australasian Recycling Label now appears on more than 500,000 products, and APCO has developed the 2030 Strategic Plan, the industry-designed model for a co-regulatory Extended Producer Responsibility scheme now before governments.
The Board has commenced a search for a new CEO to deliver APCO’s 2030 Strategic Plan, and lead the organisation through significant system change and regulatory reform. The search will span local and global markets to secure the right candidate to lead APCO into its next chapter.
During the transition, Chris will continue to lead APCO’s crucial work towards achieving regulatory reform, supported by Chief Operating Officer Tom Key, who will lead APCO’s operational delivery.
Chair Sam Andersen said APCO has been strengthening its governance and delivery capability as the scope and complexity of what is needed continues to expand.
“We are grateful for the work Chris has undertaken and thank him for his significant achievements to date towards effective packaging outcomes. We look forward to continuing to work with him in the coming months during this transition period,” Ms Andersen said.
“APCO’s strategy, its programs and its positions before governments and the Parliament are unchanged. The Board is managing this transition deliberately, with settled leadership arrangements through to the appointment of our next CEO.”
Chris Foley said he looked forward to working with APCO’s members and government in the months ahead to support the regulatory reform needed to underpin a successful Extended Producer Responsibility system for Australia.
“I am working closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition, and to ensure APCO continues to provide the fundamentals needed to support an effective new regulatory environment,” Mr Foley said.