Shanks Group Plc ("Shanks"), Europe's largest listed independent waste management business, has underlined its commitment to continued strategic growth with the appointment of a new Finance Director and Business Development Director to its UK business.
Jeremy Simpson joins Shanks as UK Finance Director. A Chartered Accountant, Simpson has 20 years' experience at companies including KPMG, Avery Dennison and Smiths Medical International, which saw 50% growth during Simpson's time as Finance Director. Most recently Simpson was Director of Finance at Hunting Plc, a FTSE-250 supplier of equipment for drilling oil wells. Commenting on his new role, Simpson said:
"The growth opportunities Shanks has in the UK are extremely exciting and the fact that we are doing something good in the process, by turning waste into valuable resources and green energy, is something I am very proud to be part of. I am particularly looking forward to understanding better the trends in our business, both positive and negative, and responding with strategies that optimise our performance."
At the same time, Paul Holmes joins Shanks as UK Business Development Director. A Chartered Mining Engineer, Holmes has spent most of his career in the quarrying industry, in both operational and commercial roles at companies including Lafarge, Tarmac and, most recently, as European Marketing & Business Development Director at Harsco Infrastructure. At Shanks, Holmes will be responsible for building on the company's recent PFI successes and broader capital works programme.
"Naturally, the current PFI/PPP bidding activities are running apace and a large part of my time will be spent keeping the intensity and focus on delivering these bids," he said. "Going forward, I believe that as market demands develop for our 'products' (recyclates, Solid Recovered Fuel and energy) and our volumes increase, these will more and more act a as pull for the business and help us to target customers and contracts that best fit our geographical infrastructure."
Commenting on the new appointments, Ian Goodfellow, Managing Director, UK, Shanks, said: "Our strategy to deliver sustainable alternatives to landfill and incineration for our customers is proving successful and growth in the UK is gaining significant momentum. We are delighted to welcome both Jeremy and Paul to the team. Their strength and experience will be invaluable in continuing to maintain focus and drive."