DAMIEN GAUNT
Rotherham
Summary
Commercially driven Managing Director, Group Sales Director and entrepreneur with more than 30 years’ experience building, scaling and transforming businesses across environmental services, recycling, waste management, logistics and industrial sectors. Proven track record of delivering revenue growth, winning major national accounts, leading acquisitions and integrations, reporting to investors and boards, and creating shareholder value through both organic growth and strategic development. Experienced in developing commercial relationships with major UK organisations including Arla, Culina, Ferrero, Princes and numerous national food and beverage manufacturers, logistics operators and industrial businesses. Successfully built and exited businesses negotiated strategic partnerships and led growth initiatives in highly regulated and operationally demanding sectors.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Founder & Director
Advantage Recycling Ltd
2025.01 - 2026.06
- Established specialist recycling and resource management consultancy and brokerage business focused on supporting waste producers, recyclers, manufacturers and logistics businesses in reducing costs, improving resource recovery and identifying sustainable recycling solutions.
- Key Activities
- Commercial consultancy within waste, recycling and resource management sectors.
- Development of brokerage solutions connecting waste producers with treatment and recycling infrastructure.
- Advising businesses on procurement, resource recovery and circular economy opportunities also sourcing appropriate development land/facilities for clients.
- Leveraging an extensive network of operators, processors, manufacturers and logistics providers developed throughout a 35-year career.
Managing Director
Waste Recycling & Destruction Ltd (WRD)
Sheffield
2008.01 - 2024.11
- Recruited by Euro Dismantling Solutions to develop and commercialise a 45-acre industrial site in Sheffield, sourcing tenants while creating and building a specialist waste recycling and resource recovery business.
- Key Achievements
- Founded and developed WRD into a recognised specialist within the food waste recycling and resource recovery sector.
- Secured environmental permits, planning approvals and operational infrastructure required to establish and scale the business.
- Identified and capitalised on emerging opportunities within the Anaerobic Digestion sector.
- Developed a Sales Function and built commercial relationships with major food manufacturers, logistics providers and waste producers throughout the UK.
- Reported directly to a Board including principal investors Georg von Opel and Emily von Opel, providing strategic, commercial and operational leadership.
- Led negotiations with E.ON, Tamar Energy and Raw Energy relating to development opportunities and long-term feedstock partnerships.
- Secured planning consent for a 2MW Anaerobic Digestion facility.
- Served as Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC) holder and principal contact for environmental regulators and enforcement authorities.
- Maintained compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
- Successfully led the business through sustained growth and its eventual acquisition by BioteCH4 in a transaction valued at approximately £1.8 million.
- Career Note
- Following the acquisition and integration of the business, I agreed a structured departure with the Board during a wider cost reduction and organisational restructuring programme in November 2024. The resulting settlement agreement restricted certain industry activities for a defined period, during which I focused on family commitments and the development of Advantage Recycling Ltd.
Group Sales Director
Waste Recycling & Diversion Group
2012.01 - 2013.01
- Appointed to lead commercial strategy, business development and revenue growth across multiple recycling and waste management businesses following acquisition and restructuring activities.
- Key Achievements
- Led all commercial activity across Group with responsibility for revenue generation, contract acquisition and strategic customer development.
- Secured over 100,000 tonnes per annum of contracted waste volumes within seven months.
- Played key role in the acquisition and integration of Leeds Paper Recycling.
- Supported commercial turnaround of former Sterecycle operation in Rotherham.
- Helped scale combined workforce from 5 to more than 120 employees.
- Developed relationships with local authorities, commercial waste producers and major industrial customers throughout UK.
Sales & Operational Manager / Demolition Contracts Manager
Earth Solutions Ltd & BDB Dismantling Ltd
2004.01 - 2008.01
- Developed environmental consultancy and support services for major demolition projects, whilst managing high-profile contracts including Manchester Airport and Leeds Grand Theatre.
- Expanded service offerings covering waste management, contaminated land, environmental compliance, CDM requirements and specialist remediation services.
- Developed from scratch a new business within BDB Dismantling, Earth Solutions Limited specialising in engineering, manufacture and skip/trailer repairs.
Managing Director
Bruce Transport Services Ltd
1998.01 - 2003.01
- Recruited to develop a newly established industrial, commercial and hazardous waste treatment operation.
- Key Achievements
- Increased turnover from negligible levels to in excess of £5 million per annum.
- Delivered sustained annual net profits exceeding £500,000.
- Developed Yorkshire’s first secure product destruction facility.
- Secured contracts with major manufacturers and household brands.
- Successfully grew the business leading to its acquisition by Veolia in 2003 for £2.7 million, alongside a long-term rental yield arrangement for the site owner and Co-Director.
Depot Manager
Cleanaway Ltd
1993.01 - 1998.01
- Promoted from Assistant Traffic Clerk to Depot Manager within 18 months. (unprecedented within group)
- Managed fleet operations, drivers, administration teams and depot performance across multiple locations (Sheffield, Dewsbury, Scunthorpe) whilst consistently delivering budget and operational targets.
Traffic Clerk
Gloystarne Transport
1988.01 - 1993.01
- National transport planning, routing and operational coordination. for British Tissues, Ferrero Rocher, Coca Cola and a number of high profile food and beverage manufacturers.
Radar Operator
Royal Navy
Portsmouth
1987.01 - 1988.01
- Completed training at HMS Raleigh and School of Maritime Operations, HMS Dryad, Portsmouth.
Skills
- Commercial Strategy Business Development Revenue Growth National Account Management Strategic Partnerships Investor & Board Reporting Acquisition Integration Contract Negotiation P&L Management Environmental Services Waste & Recycling Operational Leadership Team Development Regulatory Compliance Empathy Deal Closure
Certification
- NEBOSH National General Certificate
- CPC National Road Haulage Operations
- CPC International Road Haulage Operations
- Certificate of Technical Competence – Special Waste Transfer Operations (TSS4)
- Certificate of Technical Competence – Special Waste Treatment Operations (TMS4)
- ADR Dangerous Goods Qualification
- Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (Historic)
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Former British Cable Wakeboarding Team Member and British Squad Member for five years., Family, married with 3 children, fitness, wakeboarding, rugby and hill walking in Derbyshire.
Accomplishments
- Founded and developed Waste Recycling & Destruction Ltd (WRD), leading the business from concept through to its successful acquisition by BioteCH4 in a transaction valued at approximately £1.7 million.
- Increased Bruce Transport Services turnover from negligible levels to approximately £5 million per annum whilst delivering sustained annual net profits exceeding £500,000.
- Successfully grew Bruce Transport Services leading to its acquisition by Veolia in 2003 for £2.7 million, alongside a long-term rental yield arrangement for the site owner.
- Secured over 100,000 tonnes per annum of contracted waste volumes within seven months.
- Won and developed commercial relationships with major UK organisations including Arla, Culina, Ferrero, Princes and numerous national food manufacturing and logistics businesses.
- Reported directly to a Board including principal investors Georg von Opel and Emily von Opel, providing strategic, commercial and operational leadership.
- Supported acquisition and integration activities including Leeds Paper Recycling, helping scale operations and accelerate growth.
- Negotiated strategic partnerships with E.ON, Tamar Energy and Raw Energy.
- Developed Yorkshire’s first secure product destruction facility, providing specialist destruction services for Coca-Cola and other major household brands.
- Led businesses operating under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 accredited management systems.
ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES
- JDG Commercials Ltd Developed and established a successful truck and trailer repair business before transitioning ownership and management.
- Hair Culture Salons Co-developed and invested in a successful regional salon business before exiting the venture.
Timeline
Founder & Director
Advantage Recycling Ltd
2025.01 - 2026.06
Group Sales Director
Waste Recycling & Diversion Group
2012.01 - 2013.01
Managing Director
Waste Recycling & Destruction Ltd (WRD)
2008.01 - 2024.11
Sales & Operational Manager / Demolition Contracts Manager
Earth Solutions Ltd & BDB Dismantling Ltd
2004.01 - 2008.01
Managing Director
Bruce Transport Services Ltd
1998.01 - 2003.01
Depot Manager
Cleanaway Ltd
1993.01 - 1998.01
Traffic Clerk
Gloystarne Transport
1988.01 - 1993.01
Radar Operator
Royal Navy
1987.01 - 1988.01