VicReturn, the coordinator of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), has appointed Matt Davis as its new chief executive officer, effective 12 January 2026.
VicReturn chair, Freya Marsden, said the board selected Davis after a national recruitment process. “We are thrilled to appoint Matt to lead Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme into its next phase of growth and impact. The Board is confident his strong leadership experience will further strengthen the scheme’s contribution to advancing Victoria’s circular economy,” she said.
Davis will oversee the ongoing development of the state’s container return network, which launched in November 2023. According to VicReturn, the scheme has so far processed more than 2.46 billion drink containers, returning over $246 million to households, charities, schools and community groups.
Davis is a founding non-executive director of Seamless, Australia’s national clothing product stewardship scheme. He previously spent nine years as CEO of Salvos Stores and most recently served as group general manager of support services at Victoria’s Country Fire Authority. Earlier roles included director positions during Aldi’s first decade in Australia.
“It is exciting to lead VicReturn at such a pivotal point in the scheme’s development. There is enormous opportunity to build on VicReturn’s efforts to embed the scheme into everyday life, growing participation, operating efficiently and delivering strong environmental outcomes for Victorians,” Davis said. “I look forward to working with the VicReturn Board and team to shape the next chapter of the scheme’s success.”
He will replace inaugural CEO Jim Round, who stepped down in August after leading the establishment and rollout of CDS Vic. Marianne Doyle, VicReturn’s chief communications, marketing and engagement officer, is serving as interim CEO until Davis commences.
