Andy Berrisford started at the packaging giant’s recycling head office in Caerphilly on 1 June. He replaced John Melia, who has started a new role in the business as strategy development and innovation director, recycling division.

Berrisford has joined DS Smith after 13 years with global packaging company Amcor.

Initially joining Amcor in 2007 as finance director for the Amcor Flexibles site in Winterbourne, he then moved into general management roles from 2010 before becoming commercial excellence director, snacks and confectionery for the EMEA region.

Prior to Amcor, Berrisford worked for bottling company Gerber EMIG, now part of Refresco, and multinational professional services network EY.

DS Smith said he will bring his wide ranging experience and expertise to the company’s recycling and waste management services, supporting its account management teams and working with customers to help them waste less and recycle more.

Berrisford said: “I’m delighted to join DS Smith as UK managing director for recycling as I’ve followed and admired the company’s work over several years.

“Having previously worked in the packaging market, I understand the importance of reducing the environmental impact of packaging and have experienced the swift acceleration of e-commerce globally throughout the Covid pandemic.

“Through becoming a part of DS Smith’s recycling division, I’ll get to work closely with our customers and be at the very heart of the circular economy and our closed loop offering.’’

DS Smith recycling division managing director Rogier Gerritsen added: “I am excited to have Andy onboard at such a crucial time. Our customers are facing new recycling challenges brought about by changes in consumer shopping habits and attitudes towards sustainable packaging as a result of Covid.

“Andy will really help us focus on improving collection infrastructures so that we can recycle more by collecting the best quality materials.”