The National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) has announced the appointment of Rick Ralph as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Rick will take over from current NWRIC CEO Rose Read, who is stepping down after almost four years leading the not-for-profit industry association.
With more than 40 years' experience in the industry across both within the private and public sectors, Mr Ralph has locally and internationally recognised expertise in waste and recycling disciplines, industry regulation and policy development.
He played a significant role in the formation of NWRIC and is founder and former CEO of the Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland Inc. (WRIQ). He is currently the CEO of the Waste and Recycling Industry Association Northern Territory (WRINT).
"I am very pleased to take on this important industry leadership role and will continue to work closely with our council members and importantly state affiliates in advocating to government key national issues and opportunities for the sector through a critical time of change," Mr Ralph said.
"Australia's waste and recycling sector is primed to grow its economic, environmental, and social contributions.
"As CEO of an organisation that represents the senior business owners and executives of our industry the role is a great privilege and I will continue to lead a solid advocacy platform in terms of how our sector will deliver these business opportunities but also in terms of addressing the continuing challenges it faces.
"The next few months will be spent ensuring a smooth transition for both NWRIC and WRINT. I would like to thank current NWRIC CEO Rose Read for her pioneering advocacy to put the waste and recycling sector and its challenges front and centre in the national discussion through a period of global upheaval.
"Rose will continue to play a crucial role in driving Australia towards a circular economy as a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre for Excellence, and I look forward to continuing to work with her on key industry issues."
Ms Read said she was proud of NWRIC's work.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such an important organisation during such an integral time and proud to be able to contribute to the implementation of practical solutions for a circular economy," Ms Read said.
"While we've seen significant development in recent years, there is still much to achieve, and I know Rick's four decades of experience and expertise will allow him to spearhead NWRIC's championing of the sector's causes.
"Thank you to the AWRIA Board, NWRIC members and the State and National Affiliates for their support since 2018."
Rick will start in the role on 4 April and will work closely with Rose to ensure a smooth handover period before she finishes up at the end of April.
