Dr Adam Read, recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List
A leading figure in our industry, Adam works tirelessly to support the advancement of the resources and waste management sector, and has played an instrumental role in its transition from its traditional roots to assume a vital position at the heart of the emerging circular economy.
Adam is a Past President and current Trustee and Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). In his presidential year, Adam progressed the ‘green skills’ agenda, shining a light on the skills needed to adequately resource the sector for the future. Since his presidency, Adam has continued to advance the skills agenda, as Chair of the waste and resource management task and finish group (part of the UK Government’s Green Jobs Delivery Group) and Chair of the CIWM Skills for the Future Working Group.
Dr Adam Read MBE said: "I’m honoured to have my work for CIWM and the sector recognised with an MBE and would like to thank CIWM for nominating me. I’m touched by their kind words and enormously grateful for the support they have given me over the years. As someone who is passionate about the work our sector does and who values giving back to support those pursuing a career in waste and resources, I’m very proud to have made an impact.
"CIWM and the sector more widely have been great to me over the last 30 years, from my professional and personal development to my family, the travel opportunities, and the great people I have worked with and for. I couldn’t have done any of this alone and I’d like to thank everyone who has joined me on my journey so far. But it’s far from over, I have plenty more time and energy to give and am more motivated than ever to see our short-term policy priorities delivered, to equip the workforce of the future with the skills we will need, and to shape the sector’s contribution to net zero as we develop a more circular economy both here in the UK and around the globe."
John Scanlon, chief executive officer for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said: "This recognition of Adam’s contribution to the sector is testament to his hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and expertise. Over three decades, he has amassed a huge amount of knowledge and insight, and he has a talent for conveying this in a way that inspires others wherever he goes - whether he’s addressing an industry conference, spending a day out working with one of our crews, running a workshop with university students or sitting on a government working group, his commitment to continuously improving our sector shines through.
"He’s the driving force behind the green skills agenda for the waste and resources industry, recognising that not only do we need to attract the next generation of talent to come and work in the sector, we also need an education and training framework that equips them with the skills and competences for a circular economy.
"On behalf of us all at SUEZ, I’d like to congratulate Adam and I look forward to working with him over the coming years as policy reforms are implemented and we see progress towards the more resource efficient economy that Adam has long championed."