Zero Waste Scotland announced new chair

INDUSTRY NEWS

Zero Waste Scotland has announced the appointment of Vic Emery as its first Chair, following the organisation’s transition to a new corporate structure from 1 July 2014.

The resource efficiency body, responsible for leading the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan, was previously part of the UK-based Waste and Resources Action Programme but is now operating as a separate, Scottish-registered company.

Zero Waste Scotland seeks to maximise the efficient use of some of Scotland’s most valuable resources – materials, energy and water – to achieve economic and environmental benefit. It works in partnership with government and a wide range of public bodies, businesses and community organisations.

Mr Emery is an industrialist and businessman, who is also currently Chair of the Scottish Police Authority.

Vic Emery, Chair, Zero Waste Scotland, said:

I’m delighted to be appointed the first Chair of Zero Waste Scotland. This is an organisation with a hugely important mission – achieving more efficient or ‘circular’ use of resources is a must-do for the long-term health of our economy and our environment.

 

I’m excited about the future, not least in working with an energetic staff team with some terrific achievements already under their belts. I will work with them to drive progress in Scotland on key issues such as resource efficiency, recycling, litter and the circular economy.

Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland, said:

I am very pleased to welcome Vic Emery as Zero Waste Scotland’s first Chair.

 

I know that Vic will provide proven leadership skills, experience and expertise to take Zero Waste Scotland forward in the years to come. As an organisation we have a broader remit than ever before, ranging from recycling to energy efficiency and litter prevention, and having Vic on board will help us to build strong partnerships across the public and private sectors to help us meet our ambitious objectives.

Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment, added:

I am delighted that Vic Emery is to become Zero Waste Scotland’s first Chair. I am confident that his considerable experience of business, and public service will be invaluable in helping the newly independent Zero Waste Scotland to forge the right partnerships to deliver on Scotland’s ambitious agenda to establish a more circular economy – where materials and products are kept in valuable use for longer, with economic and environmental benefits.

Vic Emery OBE Biography

Vic Emery was Managing Director of BAE Systems Warship Division which managed the warship building business on the Clyde and the warship support and sustainment business in Portsmouth. Vic also sat on the operational Board of BAE Systems Plc from 2003 until 2008 and was awarded an OBE in May 2008 for services to shipbuilding. A former Board Member and Chair of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, he also currently sits as a Trustee of the Scottish Maritime Museum. In January 2014, Vic was announced as President of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

In the public sector, Vic became Convener of the Scottish Police Services Authority and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency in 2009 until 2013. Between January 2011 and March 2013 Vic also played a major governance and advisory role in bringing the Edinburgh trams project back on track for completion. In 2012 he was appointed as the Chair of the newly formed Scottish Police Authority – the national oversight body for the single Police Service of Scotland.