The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has announced that chief executive officer Chris Foley will step down at the end of November after four years at the helm, concluding a tenure marked by major packaging policy reforms and industry growth, according to media reports.
The APCO Board has commenced a local and international search for a successor to lead the organisation through the next phase of regulatory reform and the implementation of its 2030 Strategic Plan, including the transition to an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.
During the transition period, Foley will continue leading APCO's regulatory reform agenda, while recently appointed chief operating officer Tom Key will oversee the organisation's operational delivery.
Sector growth
APCO credited Foley with driving significant organisational growth and strengthening engagement across the packaging supply chain and government.
During his tenure, participation in the Australian Packaging Covenant increased from around 900 signatories in 2018 to more than 2,500 organisations. The Australasian Recycling Label programme also expanded to appear on more than 500,000 products.
The organisation also developed its 2030 Strategic Plan, including an industry-designed co-regulatory EPR model that is currently before governments.
Board confidence
APCO Chair Sam Andersen said the organisation had strengthened its governance and delivery capabilities as its responsibilities continued to expand.
"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.
"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."
Smooth transition
Foley said his priority over the coming months would be supporting APCO's members and government stakeholders as Australia moves towards a new regulatory framework for packaging.
"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," Foley said.
The leadership transition comes as APCO prepares to play a central role in shaping Australia's future packaging regulations and the rollout of an industry-wide Extended Producer Responsibility framework.