Smiths News has appointed a Managing Director to lead the expansion of its Recycling division, a key leadership role aligned to the company’s five-year transformation strategy.
Operating across 34 sites with a network of 2,400 colleagues and partners, Smiths News is building new profit streams beyond its core distribution model. Recycling is a key part of this, built on existing reverse logistics capability and a national route network already servicing more than 5,000 customers.
The newly appointed Managing Director will lead the next phase of growth, with full P&L responsibility and regular engagement with the PLC Board. The mandate is to scale the division into a £10m profit stream through commercial growth, operational execution, and the development of strategic partnerships and acquisition opportunities.
Novo Executive Search supported the appointment, working closely with the Chief Executive and leadership team to define the role and identify leaders with relevant sector and commercial experience.
The search focused on candidates with a background in recycling and environmental services, alongside experience in scaling business units within regulated environments. Assessment centred on P&L ownership, go-to-market strategy, regulatory understanding, and the ability to influence at Board level.
Smiths News appointed a Managing Director with sector experience and a commercially focused approach to growth. Since joining, the new leader has begun refining the division’s strategic direction, strengthening customer acquisition, and reviewing partnership and acquisition opportunities to support expansion.
Early activity has established clearer commercial metrics, improved alignment across internal teams, and accelerated the development of growth initiatives across the division.
This appointment provides Smiths News with the leadership structure required to scale its recycling business and support long-term growth beyond its core market.
About Novo Executive Search
Novo Executive Search is a privately owned executive search firm specialising in board and senior executive appointments across multiple sectors, both nationally and internationally. The firm supports organisations to define leadership requirements and secure executive candidates aligned to strategy, governance, and long-term performance.
For media enquiries, contact George Woodward, Director, at Novo Executive Search george@novoexec.com or 0771 589 4058.
Website: https://novoexec.com
