Michael Topham, Chief Executive Officer of Biffa, took over as chairman of the Environmental Services Association (ESA) on Friday 24th November 2023, succeeding Gavin Graveson, who stepped down at the end of a three-year term. The handover of chairmanship was recorded at the association’s Annual General Meeting ahead of the Annual Lunch in Mayfair, London.
Gavin Graveson, Senior Vice President, Northern Europe, for Veolia Group became ESA Chairman in December 2020 and led the association through an eventful and busy three years for the sector and wider country.
In particular, Gavin’s tenure saw the development and publication of the ESA’s ambitious sectoral Net-Zero strategy; reports and guidance documents to support Biodiversity and Social Value; substantial work and pressure on policy-makers (including an independent report by Eunomia) to tackle waste crime, and ongoing policy development work around the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy – the main details of which have all now been announced.
Executive Director of the ESA, Jacob Hayler, said: “Gavin took over as Chairman in the midst of the global pandemic, which was followed by ongoing economic and political volatility both at home and abroad. However, despite this challenging backdrop, the ESA has successfully delivered a comprehensive work programme on key issues for the sector during Gavin’s tenure – particularly on setting an ambitious NetZero roadmap for the sector, tackling waste crime and ensuring the Resources and Waste Strategy will deliver on its intended outcomes. I would like to thank Gavin for his leadership and input over the last three turbulent years.
The ESA team and I look forward to working with Michael and welcome him to his new additional role as ESA Chairman, as the sector moves into a “delivery phase” of rolling out the changes required by Defra’s resources and waste reforms.”
Biffa CEO and incoming ESA Chairman, Michael Topham, said: “After a challenging period, the implementation of the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy is about to happen. These changes to how we recycle, together with the impending inclusion of EfW in the Emissions Trading Scheme, mark the biggest changes for the recycling and waste sector in a generation. ESA members stand ready to deliver £10 billion investment in the circular economy, but it will only happen if long-term, stable, investible policies are established.
The ESA looks forward to working with Government and other stakeholders to achieve this, enabling ESA members to mobilise and deliver this enormous transition.”
