Richard Skehens

Managing Director, Grundon Waste Management Ltd

Richard Skehens, a Chartered Surveyor, has worked for Grundon for over 25 years and has been involved in the mineral and waste industry for in excess of 30 years.

Richard joined the Company in 1983 as Estates and Development Manager, his principal role being the acquisition and planning of future sites for mineral extraction and waste management, treatment, disposal, and other Grundon activities including the restoration and aftercare of sites. He was promoted to Estates Director in 1991 and in April 2002 he was appointed Managing Director. Richard lead a successful planning team which obtained planning consent for a 400,000 tonnes per annum Energy from Waste Plant close to Heathrow Airport, which is now in its final stages of construction. He has also obtained planning consents for various waste management facilities including Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and a Green Waste Composting Plant, assisting Grundon to achieve its Integrated Waste Management strategy. He has also designed and built a golf course as a restoration project and numerous water-based restoration schemes

During his career in the minerals and waste industry Richard has also held a number of notable appointments including being a member of the Environment Agency's Regional Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (REPAC) for several years and a Director of the Environmental Trust for Berkshire. In 2001 he was Chairman of the London and South East Region of the Quarry Products Association. He was a member of the DTI Overseas Science and Technology Expert Mission to Japan, Scandinavia and Europe. During 2008 Richard was the Chairman of the Environmental Services Association which represents all the major industry players dealing with waste management and the environment. As Chairman he liaised with both the UK and European Parliaments on environmental law and regulations. He also gave evidence at a Select Committee and represented the Industry's interests at all levels.

Richard's personal interests include rugby, fly-fishing, art, architecture and he is also a Court Member of the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators.