LARAC announces that Toni McNamara will replace Carole Taylor

The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) announced changes to its team today (17 June), following the announcement of the early retirement of executive director Carole Taylor and the appointment of Toni McNamara as her successor. The organization also welcomes Tom McBeth as its new policy specialist.

Carole Taylor, Executive Director of LARAC, has decided to take early retirement at the end of October 2024, having been with LARAC since 2002 in various capacities. Toni McNamara, currently LARAC’s director of policy and communications, will become executive director. Lucy Bennett will also take on additional responsibilities in her new role as business support leader, and Mariana McManus will continue to support LARAC as a support specialist.

Commenting on the changes, Carole said: “LARAC has grown enormously since 1985 and from its humble beginnings with just a handful of members, it now serves as the voice of 80 per cent of all councils in the UK and has almost 1,200 individual officer members. .

“I am extremely proud of what LARAC has done and continues to achieve for members, having worked in local government for 19 years as one of those officers struggling with challenges, seeking the help, support and important information that LARAC provides. LARAC has a great team to continue the excellent work we provide to our members. And now, as I prepare to pass the baton, I do so with confidence. LARAC is in capable hands and I feel that now is the right time for me to hand over the reins, knowing that the company will continue to thrive under their leadership.”

In addition to the leadership changes, LARAC has appointed Tom McBeth to the newly created position of policy officer. Tom joins LARAC from RECOUP, where he spent almost five years as Policy and Infrastructure Manager, conducting research, data analysis and writing reports on the use, disposal and recycling of plastics.

Toni McNamara welcomed the new addition to the LARAC team: “Tom looks forward to supporting all LARAC members on policy issues as we navigate the choppy waters of waste policy. As these continue to be uncertain but exciting times for everyone in the industry, I am sure Tom will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this new and exciting role; “He will be a great asset to LARAC and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Speaking after his appointment, Tom said: “I can’t wait to get stuck into my role here at LARAC. I am ready for this new challenge and look forward to representing the views of our members on all issues related to recycling, resources and waste, especially the resulting policies from the collection and packaging reform.”