APCO CEO to step down

Chris Foley is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) from November.

Foley, who has held the role for four years, has overseen significant changes to APCO’s operations and engagement with the packaging supply chain and all tiers of government.

During his tenure, brand owner participation in APCO has grown from 900 signatories in 2018 to nearly 2500. The Australasian Recycling Label now appears on more than 500,000 products.

In this time, APCO has also developed the 2030 Strategic Plan, an industry-designed model for a co-regulatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes now before governments.

APCO’s Board has commenced a search for a new CEO to deliver the strategic plan and to lead the organisation through system change and regulatory reform. The search will span local and global markets to secure the right candidate.

During this transition, Foley will continue to lead APCO’s work towards achieving regulatory reform, supported by Chief Operating Officer Tom Key, who will lead APCO’s operational delivery.

Sam Andersen, APCO Chair, said the organisation has been strengthening its governance and delivery capability as the scope and complexity of what is needed continue to expand.

“We are grateful for the work Chris has undertaken and thank him for his significant achievements to date towards effective packaging outcomes,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with him in the coming months during this transition period.

“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.”

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 EPR system for Australia.

“I am working closely with the board to ensure a smooth transition,” he said, “and to ensure APCO continues to provide the fundamentals needed to support an effective new regulatory environment.”