Leadership change at PackUK as Margaret Bates departs for DEFRA role

Margaret Bates has stepped down from her position as Head of Scheme Administration at PackUK to take on a new role supporting the rollout of the Simpler Recycling initiative at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

Taking over as PackUK’s permanent Chief Executive is Jez Blake, formerly Director of Circular Economy at Amcor. He joins Esther Carter, who continues in her role as Chief Strategy Officer.

Bates spent the past 20 months leading the UK’s Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme at Defra. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping the future of packaging regulation, maintaining strong engagement with stakeholders across the packaging industry.

Martin Kersh, outgoing Executive Director of the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA), praised Bates for her dedication and openness, noting her consistent presence at industry events and her willingness to engage with producers and trade bodies.