UK Packaging PRO, the industry-led producer responsibility body, has named Kerry Easter as chief executive, with Karen Graley being appointed as chief operating officer (COO).
In a LinkedIn post, the organisation said: “These appointments mark an important milestone as UK Packaging PRO moves from mobilisation into the next phase, engaging with PackUK in the delivery of the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme.”
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Easter joins the organisation with leadership experience spanning supply chains, including work in quality, innovation, manufacturing and strategic network management across food, drink, home and personal care, beauty and retail.
Her most recent position was global head of category supply chain for gin, rum and vodka at Diageo.
Easter said: “My immediate priority will be to engage with the organisation’s partners and stakeholders, taking input to build on the foundations already established. We will ensure that UK Packaging PRO develops the appropriate strategies, capability and discipline required for a successful next phase.”
Graley will oversee the further build-out of its operations, governance and delivery structures.
She said that the organisation’s focus in the coming months would be on engagement with producers, governments in all four UK nations, PackUK, local authorities and the broader packaging supply chain, alongside collaboration and consultation with those groups.
Graley said: “I look forward to working alongside Kerry, our Board, our growing team, PackUK and partners across the value chain to build the capability, relationships and momentum needed to make packaging EPR work effectively and deliver meaningful, measurable improvements.”
PackUK CEO Jeremy Blake said: “These appointments are an important step for UK Packaging PRO as it moves from mobilisation into delivery.
“Together, they give UK Packaging PRO the leadership, operational discipline and stakeholder focus needed to help build an effective, efficient and evidence-led packaging EPR system across the UK.”
In March this year, UK Packaging PRO was chosen as the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the forthcoming Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme in the UK.
The organisation represents more than 100 leading British brands, retailers, and trade associations.
