February 12, 2026 – Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization, is pleased to announce an important next step in its governance evolution and Board of Directors.    

Background

Over the last five years, the organization has expanded its geographic reach to support extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling programs in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Alberta and the Yukon. As Circular Materials advances the circular economy and supports EPR across Canada, it remains committed to ensure its governance meets future needs and is aligned with the organization’s mandate, purpose, and strategy.

The renewed Board will be comprised of both Producer Directors representing producer organizations and Independent Directors. Previously, the Board was comprised exclusively with producer Directors.

The Board renewal process began in mid 2025. Circular Materials, in collaboration with Watson Board Advisors, an experienced and trusted Canadian board advisory firm, conducted a formal and comprehensive recruitment process aligned with leading governance practices and the organization’s national mandate.

The recruitment process was led by the Board’s Nominations Committee, a subset of current Directors. Working closely with Watson Board Advisors, all candidates were assessed through an established framework including comprehensive self-evaluations and interviews. The process attracted a very strong and diverse pool of highly qualified candidates.

“The Board renewal reflects Circular Materials’ commitment to strong, balanced governance in support of its national mandate and the effective delivery of extended producer responsibility across Canada,” said Allan Cosman, Board Chair, Circular Materials Board of Directors. “Through a rigorous, transparent recruitment process aligned with leading governance practices, we are further strengthening the Board’s governance to support collaboration across the system and drive meaningful progress. I look forward to working with fellow Board Directors and the leadership team. Our goal is to build excellence in all we do to strengthen the circular economy and be a resilient and effective supplier of recycling service to communities in the geographies in which we operate.”

“This is a significant step forward in our evolution as a producer-led not for profit organization. The skills and experience of our Board of Directors will help guide the organization through its growth, driving measurable outcomes for producers, communities, and the environment,” said Allen Langdon, CEO, Circular Materials. “I would like to thank our Directors, both continuing and concluding their terms, along with our stakeholders and partners, for their dedication and contributions. I look forward to working with the Board as we continue to advance our vision and create value for our producers.”

Departing Directors

Circular Materials extends its appreciation to all the Directors who have served on its Board of Directors over the years. Their leadership, insight and dedication have had an important role in the inception and creation of Circular Materials, strengthening governance, guiding strategic decisions and supporting the organization’s growth.

Thank you to the following Directors for their service and partnership in advancing Circular Materials’ mandate:

• Candice Chan, Vice-President, Finance & Controller, Metro Inc.
• Caitlin McClung, Director, Public Affairs, Restaurant Brands International
• Cam Erwin, Commercial Lead, Canada, The Coca-Cola Company/The Minute Maid Company Canada Inc.
• Chris Christie, Senior Manager, Sustainability, McDonald’s
• Cynthia Shanks, Director, Communications and Sustainability, Keurig Canada Inc.
• Darren White, Vice President Strategy and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited
• Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President Strategy and Sustainability, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
• Peter Vale, Vice President Strategy and Sustainability, Recipe Unlimited
• Sylvain Mayrand, Vice President Strategy and Sustainability, Lassonde Industries Inc.

New Board of Directors

Welcome the following Directors to the Circular Materials’ Board of Directors:

New Directors:

• Angela Griffiths, Vice President, Food Safety and Brand Integrity / Strategy Lead, A&W Food Services Canada Inc. (Producer Director: British Columbia)
• Tuan Nguyen, Vice President, Procurement, Restaurant Brands International (Tim Hortons) (Producer Director: Ontario)
• Stephen Leslie, Chief Auditor and Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Sobeys Capital Inc. (Producer Director: Nova Scotia)
• Ian Urquhart, Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (Independent Director: Manitoba)

Returning Directors:

• Allan Cosman, Chair of the Board (Independent Director: Ontario)
• Alain Brandon, Vice-Chair of the Board: Vice President, Government and Industry, Loblaw Companies Limited. (Producer Director: Ontario)
• Av Maharaj, Vice President, Legal & Corporate Affairs, Kraft Heinz (Producer Director: Ontario)
• Catherine O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Regulatory, Government Relations and Sustainability, Nestle Canada (Producer Director: Ontario)
• Eric Sasseville, Central Manager, Stewardship Programs, Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. (Producer Director: Ontario)
• Heather Mathews, Finance Director, Customer Finance, Walmart Canada and Loblaws Enterprise, Proctor & Gamble (Producer Director: Ontario)
• Neil Antymis, Director, Global Environmental Policy, PepsiCo Inc. (Producer Director: Alberta)
• Paul Grenier, Director, Government Affairs, Clorox Canada (Producer Director: Ontario)
  
  

The next step in the Board of Directors evolution is to add additional skills, competencies and diversity with the addition of independent Directors.  Further Board appointments will be announced by Q2-2026.

Full details on the Board of Directors are available at circularmaterials.ca/board.