APCO announces CEO transition

The Board of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has announced 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 Foley’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 2500 members. Brand owner participation in the Australian Packaging Covenant has grown from 900 signatories in 2018 to nearly 2500 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 coregulatory Extended Producer Responsibility scheme now before governments.

A search for a new CEO has now commenced, with the board searching for the right candidate to help lead the organisation through significant system change and regulatory reform.

During the transition, Foley 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.

“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.”

“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,” Andersen said.

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