The UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), the business-led, not-for-profit organisation responsible for designing, delivering, and operating the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, has appointed its first CEO.
Russell Davies has arrived to lead the roll-out of the scheme which aims to drive recycling rates in the UK and reduce litter, as part of a push to a more circular economy and a shake-up in the packaging industry.
Davies brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across global logistics, supply chain management, and commercial strategy. Most recently, he served as CEO North Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Hillebrand Gori, a DHL company specialising in beverage logistics.
According to the DMO, during his time at Hillebrand Gori Davies 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. That bodes well as the UK looks to do something similar with the introduction of the DRS in three of its nations in October 2027.
Previously, Davies held senior roles at GKN Automotive, DHL Freight UK and Savoye, meaning he has deep expertise in logistics automation and complex network management. He will start the new role on 5 January 2026.
His key responsibilities at the DMO will be driving operational delivery, accelerating readiness, and ensuring all parts of the DRS are prepared for launch date. Coming up, this will involve 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.”
He added: “My focus now is on delivery – making sure the DMO has the capability, partnerships and momentum to make this scheme a success.
“That work is already under way. We’ve published our Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) specification, established our headquarters in Milton Keynes, and are expanding our leadership team across key functions. At the same time, we’re working hand-in-hand with industry, government and supply chain partners to ensure the scheme is designed with their needs in mind and can be delivered in a way that works for everyone.”
Former Associated British Food director John Bason, chair of the UK DMO board, remarked of Davies’ appointment: “His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the DMO is ready to deliver a scheme that is practical, efficient and trusted by the public.”
The UK DRS will cover drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel, and aluminium between 150 ml and 3 litres. Fees on drinks will increase meaning consumers pay a deposit on their purchase, which is then redeemed when they take back the drinks container to official returns points after consumption.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
