The Australian Resources Recovery Council (ARRC) today announced the appointment of Haydee Forster as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding long-serving industry leader Rick Ralph, who is retiring after more than four decades at the forefront of Australia’s waste and recycling sector.
The transition marks a pivotal moment in the Council’s evolution, as new leadership builds on a strong foundation to drive the next phase of national policy reform, industry growth, and sector leadership.
Incoming CEO Haydee Forster brings more than 25 years of executive experience in waste and resources recovery, governance, safety, and systems management, most recently serving as Director of Work Health and Safety at Services Australia.
“ARRC is entering an exciting new era,” Ms Forster said. “I’m honoured to lead the Council and to meet with all our stakeholders and government to advance good resources recovery policy, presenting a strong, unified industry voice, and leading key federal policy changes.”
Ms Forster identified continuing ARRC’s role as the leading business advocate for the industry and pursuing significant policy reform as key priorities over the next 12 months.
“ARRC exists to advocate for Australian resources recovery and waste management companies, but we also want to expand the strength and breadth of the sector to further bolster the Australian economy.
Our industry leads world-class innovations that drive long-term carbon abatement and build a locally secure, sustainable manufacturing base for recovered and reused materials.
This foundation will be central to ARRC’s advocacy priorities and will be reflected in a suite of forthcoming policy announcements.”
“My first trip as CEO will be to Canberra to meet with national leaders on key environmental policy reforms, including the government’s Safeguard Mechanism, green steel, and local manufacturing agendas.
Outgoing CEO Rick Ralph has been a driving force behind the modern resources recovery industry, founding several of Australia’s key peak bodies and policy frameworks. Over his 45-year career, he leaves an extraordinary legacy for the sector”. Ms Forster added
The ARRC Board expressed its sincere appreciation to Mr Ralph for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the organisation. Under his guidance, ARRC strengthened its national influence and advanced key industry initiatives.
The Board warmly welcomed Ms Forster as she takes the reins to lead ARRC into its next chapter of national advocacy and industry development. Ms Forster’s appointment marks an exciting new phase for the organisation, focused on innovation, collaboration, and continued sector growth.
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Jen Fleming
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