News

Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has announced a further addition to its senior management team with the appointment of Adrian Smith as Regional Operations Manager.

Based out of the firm’s Griffon Road site at Ilkeston, in a newly created role, Adrian will oversee the processing operations across Ward’s multiple metal recycling and waste management facilities in the Midlands, reporting to the Operations Director, Donald Ward. 

As part of Ward’s ongoing commitment to innovation and best practice, in his new role, Adrian will be responsible for standardising processes and procedures designed to benchmark the performance of both the division as a whole and sites at a local level. His remit also includes identifying and implementing performance improvements and enhancing profitability to support Ward’s wider business growth objectives and its sustainability strategy roadmap to 2030 and beyond.  

Adrian has extensive experience of the processing sector. He began his career with a mechanical and pneumatic maintenance apprenticeship for DS Smith in a paper mill based in Somerset and has since worked across the FMCG sector, gaining operational and management experience from previous roles with the likes of Cadbury Trebor Bassett and Pepsico. Most recently he has also held senior operational positions at other national waste management specialists including Suez and Biffa across the UK. 

Adrian Smith, Regional Operations Manager at Ward, said:

“Joining the team here at Ward is the ideal next step for me. I love working within the recycling sector as every day provides its own unique set of challenges to overcome. It’s a very dynamic and fast-paced environment and the majority of people don’t appreciate the level of leading-edge technology employed within the processing plants and operations.

Right from my initial interview, the Directors outlined a clear strategic vision for the business and conveyed an energy to ensure the achievement and success of their ambitions. Ward has embraced significant growth and continues along that same trajectory – I’m excited by this progress and keen to be part of the journey.”

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, added:

“We’re so pleased to be welcoming someone of Adrian’s calibre to the Ward team. His experience, ambition and knowledge of the sector will prove highly beneficial as we continue with our ambitious plans for growth and will support us in our goal to be at the forefront of the metal recycling and waste management industry.”

Ward is an ISO accredited, multi-award winning, independent fourth generation family business. It provides safe, reliable and responsible handling of waste including metals, wood, plastic, soils, aggregates, food, textiles, glass and mixed materials from multiple facilities across England.