New CEO appointed to lead Victoria's container deposit scheme

New CEO appointed to lead Victoria’s container deposit scheme

VicReturn, coordinator of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), has appointed Matt Davis as its new chief executive officer, effective 12 January 2026.

Davis is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of leadership experience across retail, social enterprise, government and environmental stewardship.

“We are thrilled to appoint Matt to lead Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme into its next phase of growth and impact. The Board is confident his strong leadership experience will further strengthen the scheme’s contribution to advancing Victoria’s circular economy,” said VicReturn Chair, Freya Marsden.

Davis is a founding non-executive director of Seamless, Australia’s national clothing product stewardship scheme. He spent nine years as chief executive officer of Salvos Stores, driving modernisation, cultural renewal and financial performance.

Most recently, he served as group general manager of support services at Victoria’s Country Fire Authority, enabling over 50,000 staff and volunteers to protect lives and property.

“It is exciting to lead VicReturn at such a pivotal point in the scheme’s development. There is enormous opportunity to build on VicReturn’s efforts to embed the scheme into everyday life – growing participation, operating efficiently and delivering strong environmental outcomes for Victorians,” Davis said.

“I look forward to working with the VicReturn Board and team to shape the next chapter of the scheme’s success.”

Davis will succeed inaugural chief executive officer Jim Round, who stepped down in late August after successfully leading the establishment and rollout of the scheme.

VicReturn’s Chief Communications, Marketing and Engagement Officer, Marianne Doyle, has been serving as Interim CEO since Round’s departure and will continue in the role until Davis commences in early 2026.

Since its launch in November 2023, CDS Vic has helped Victorians recycle more, reduce litter and keep valuable materials out of landfills.

To date, more than 2.46 billion drink containers have been returned through the scheme, delivering more than $246 million in refunds to Victorian households, charities, schools and community groups.