Rebecca Shrubsole to take over as Director for Circular Economy at Defra
Becky Shrubsole, Defra; Image credit: Parliament TV
Rebecca Shrubsole is set to take on the role of Director for Circular Economy at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), following the transition of Emma Bourne to Director General for EU Reset and Trade.
Shrubsole, currently Director of Ministerial, Growth and Resilience, is an established leader within Defra, with extensive experience working in partnership with businesses, local authorities and devolved governments.
Bourne will formally begin her new position in February, stepping into a key role shaping the UK’s EU engagement and trade strategy.
In the interim, Simon James has taken on the circular economy director role.
James brings experience from his time as deputy director in the Joint Air Quality Unit, where he spent three years leading the government’s NO2 Programme—one of the UK’s largest air quality initiatives delivered jointly by Defra and the Department for Transport.
EMR appoints Andy Hearl to drive circular solutions for wind turbine waste
Andy Hearl, EMR
EMR Metal Recycling has appointed Andy Hearl as Renewables Operations and Projects Manager, strengthening its capabilities in wind turbine recycling and circular economy solutions.
The appointment comes as the volume of end-of-life turbines grows across the UK and Europe, increasing pressure on the sector to recover materials and reduce waste.
Hearl will be based at EMR’s Wind Turbine Processing Centre in Glasgow, where he will focus on scaling reuse, repurposing and recycling solutions for decommissioned assets.
Hearl joins from 1 Stop Wind, bringing operational experience across turbine maintenance and repair.
He commented: “My ambition is to build EMR’s renewables recycling operations into a scalable and sustainable part of the business.
“That means taking what we’re doing in Glasgow and rolling it out across the UK, into Europe and beyond.
“The speed of acceleration down the road to net zero depends on how we handle today’s assets, and that’s what makes this role so exciting.”
Michael Symons joins as Service Member Lead of the WRA Board
Mike Symons, WRA
Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) has appointed Michael Symons as Service Member Lead on its Board, following confirmation at its Annual General Meeting in Greater Manchester.
Symons, Head of Sales at CRJ Services, brings more than a decade of experience in the waste and recycling sector, with a strong focus on wood recycling and biomass markets.
He has played a key role in developing national sales strategy and strengthening supply chain relationships across the UK and Ireland.
Symons said: “I’m delighted to join the WRA Board as Service Member Lead. The wood recycling industry is evolving rapidly, and I’m looking forward to using my experience to support members, champion best practice and contribute to the sector’s continued growth.”
Symons joins the WRA’s eight other Board Members, including seven elected members and the Executive Director, Julia Turner.
He replaces Spencer Caldwell, who stepped down after two years in December 2025 after moving into a different sector.
Mark Hayton, Chair of the WRA, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Michael to the Board as our new Service Member Lead.
“His insight and strong industry relationships will be a valuable asset to the WRA as we continue to support a safe, innovative and forward-looking wood recycling sector.”
Zero Waste Scotland announces two new Non‑Executive Board Members
Alison McRae, ZWS
Zero Waste Scotland has appointed Alison McRae and Mary Michel as Non-Executive Board Members, commencing their tenure immediately.
McRae is Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Circular Glasgow initiative, which supports businesses in adopting circular economy practices.
She brings experience in strategic partnerships and sustainable economic development.
Michel is Co-Founder of Ostrero and a trustee of Circular Communities Scotland.
Mary Michel, ZWS
She has a strong background in education, system change and circular innovation, working to embed sustainable thinking across organisations.
Dominic Fry said: “I’m delighted to welcome Alison and Mary to our Board. Their combined expertise will help accelerate our transition to a more resource-efficient and resilient economy.”
“Alison’s strategic leadership and thorough understanding of the business landscape, combined with Mary’s expertise in circular education, advocacy, and system change, is sure to galvanise Zero Waste Scotland’s work in accelerating our transition to a more resource‑efficient, resilient, and future-proof economy.”