Ceris Turner-Bailes appointed WasteAid CEO
International waste management charity WasteAid has announced Ceris Turner-Bailes will become its new Chief Executive.
Turner-Bailes replaces Mike Webster, former winner of the annual Resource Hot 100 poll of resources and waste industry influencers, with immediate effect.
Turner-Bailes has extensive experience in the international development sector, having previously been director at a number of development organisations, including The Donkey Sanctuary, the Aegis Trust, Save the Children and ACTED.
Commenting on her new role, Turner-Bailes said: “Through my experiences of managing development programmes across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, I have experienced firsthand the detrimental effects of poor waste management on communities.
“In tackling this complex issue, WasteAid not only succeeds in pushing waste management higher up the development agenda, but also further demonstrates the positive impact of effective waste management on so many aspects of human development.
“It’s an honour to be joining WasteAid and its mission to support livelihoods through innovative recycling activities. I aim to build on the excellent work that has been done by WasteAid colleagues under the stewardship of Mike Webster, to ensure the charity fulfils its potential as a major player in the global development field.”
Announcing the appointment, WasteAid Chair Sarahjane Widdowson said: “Following an extensive search, we are delighted to welcome Ceris Turner-Bailes as the new Chief Executive of WasteAid. Ceris joins us at a vital time for global development, and brings the skills and values we sought to lead the team through the next phase of growth.”
Jane Pateman, Group HR Director at recycling and waste management company Biffa assisted with the recruitment process. Pateman said: “Ceris Turner-Bailes is an outstanding leader with a strong background in international programming, logistics and management. It’s a pleasure to support WasteAid as a Proud Partner, and we wish Ceris every success as its new Chief Executive.”
Ray Georgeson, who took temporary charge of WasteAid following the departure of Webster, will continue to provide interim executive support over the coming months and will assist on new project development work.
WasteAid has been working in low income countries to tackle the global waste crisis for six years now, sharing knowledge and skills surrounding waste management. The charity has gone from success to success, with the last three years seeing WasteAid’s annual turnover increase from £50,000 in 2017 to £330,000 in 2019.
Most recently, the charity has been raising funds and creating awareness on the global waste crisis through the Kenyan virtual safari. Running from Earth Day (22 April) until World Environment Day (5 June), the virtual journey circles Lake Naivasha in Kenya, where WasteAid is working with local partners to improve waste collection and recycling.
You can find out more about WasteAid on its website.
