Richard Kirkman - Business in the Community
Richark Kirkman wears a suit and smiles

Richard Kirkman

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Veolia

Circular Economy Taskforce

An environmental engineer, Richard Kirkman is responsible for Veolia’s technology and innovation, material sales, combined heat and power, fleet and external affairs.

He is a member of the UK Plastics Pact Board, the Council for Sustainable Business, a Non-Executive Director of OPRL, and leads Veolia’s UK research and innovation activity.

An avid promoter of progressive resource management, Richard is proud to be a member of the Business in the Community’s (BITC) Circular Economy Taskforce, as he is driven to ensure this generation protects the interests of the next.

In his role, Richard supports Veolia’s growth ambitions overseeing the planning and construction of new infrastructure. Towards this, the company is committed to a significant investment over the next five years, and the administration of commodities, such as energy (electricity and heat) and materials (recyclables and compost).

His technology team is focused on thermal development, fuel and energy, food grade recycling, biological treatments and best-in-class sector innovation. Major initiatives include pioneering treatment facilities at Dagenham (plastics remanufacturing), Rainham (plastics sorting and St Helens (glass cullet supply).

About BITC’s Circular Economy Taskforce

Each area of work BITC undertakes is led by a group of senior executives who provide strategic guidance and support us in achieving our objectives.

BITC’s Circular Economy Taskforce brings together a group of senior executives committed to delivering a high-impact programme to bring the circular economy to life.

The Taskforce supports BITC’s Environment Leadership Team, who are helping business drive innovation that turns the threats of the climate emergency into opportunity for people and nature.

Find out more about BITC’s work on the environment.