David Gell is Head of External Affairs at Exchange for Change, the organisation responsible for delivering the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers.

Prior to joining Exchange for Change, David held senior policy roles at Defra, where he led the development of the DRS policy and delivery planning, working closely with governments across the UK and the drinks, retail and wider packaging sectors.

David has over a decade of experience across government and consulting, with particular expertise in circular economy, packaging regulation, sustainability and the development and delivery of major public policy reforms. Before joining government, he worked at PwC advising public sector organisations on strategic and operational change.

At EfC, David now leads the organisation’s external affairs activity, working across government and industry as preparations for the introduction of DRS progress.