Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) CEO Chris Foley is set to step down at the end of November 2026 after four years at the helm of the nonprofit body.

APCO’s board has begun a search for a new CEO to lead the organisation’s 2030 Strategic Plan and guide it through system change and regulatory reform. The recruitment process will cover both local and international markets.

Foley will remain in the role during the transition, continuing to lead APCO’s work on regulatory reform while chief operating officer Tom Key will oversee operational delivery.

According to APCO, Foley’s tenure saw participation in the Australian Packaging Covenant increase from 900 organisations in 2018 to more than 2500.

The Australasian Recycling Label programme also grew to cover more than 500,000 products.

During his time as CEO, APCO developed its 2030 Strategic Plan, including an industry-designed model for a co-regulatory extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme that is now before governments.

APCO chair Sam Andersen said: "The board is managing this transition deliberately, with settled leadership arrangements through to the appointment of our next CEO.”

Foley said he would continue working with APCO members and government in the coming months to support regulatory reform for EPR in Australia.

He noted: “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.”

APCO is focused on advancing a circular economy for packaging in Australia, working with government, industry and partners across the packaging value chain.