Trevor Gordon takes on CIO role at UK Deposit Return Scheme operator Exchange for Change

Trevor Gordon has joined Exchange for Change, the official operator of the Deposit Return Scheme for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, as CIO.

Gordon has experience delivering large scale operational and systems changes across organisations including Diageo, Sodexo, Vodafone, Vue Entertainment, Selfridges and Autotrader.  

Prior to joining Exchange for Change, he served as Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Save the Children.  

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “What drew me here is simple: purpose. The UK’s Deposit Return Scheme is a huge opportunity to shift recycling habits, cut litter, and protect the places we care about: our streets, coastlines and waterways. Being part of something with this level of social and environmental impact really matters to me.”

“I feel genuinely privileged to work with colleagues who are passionate about making this change real. My focus is on ensuring we’re digitally ready from day one, building the tech and data that will help deliver the world’s largest DRS in a way that’s seamless, reliable and centred around the people it serves.”

Russell Davies, CEO at Exchange for Change, said: “More than 50 deposit return schemes already operate around the world, with another 20 due to launch in the next three years, and in October next year we will launch the world’s biggest DRS right here in the UK.”  

“Delivery is now our priority. We’re building the leadership capability that is vital to deliver this scheme, and these senior appointments strengthen our operational, legal, stakeholder and technology expertise to ensure the scheme is a success.”   

“Our focus is clear - finalise scheme design, build the systems and partnerships required, and work closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to ensure the scheme is practical, efficient and ready to launch on time.” 

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.