This award recognises leaders who demonstrate vision, resilience and a long-term commitment to advancing their organisation’s mission. Sarah Poulter's leadership showcases all of these qualities, driving transformation within CIWM Group and expanding its influence across the global circular economy community.
A leader shaping a global movement
Under Sarah’s leadership, CIWM Group has evolved from a UK-focused professional body into an internationally positioned organisation with a growing global membership. The acquisition of the Circular Economy Institute and Circular Economy Club in 2024 marked a strategic shift, expanding the organisation’s reach to over 10,000 additional members across six continents and strengthening its voice in the transition towards a world beyond waste.
Building a future-ready organisation
Sarah has led a modernisation journey for CIWM Group, introducing digital transformation initiatives that have improved member experience, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Her focus on innovation, strategic growth and digital capability has helped secure sustained revenue increases and strong financial resilience, giving the organisation a platform to expand its impact.
People-first leadership
At the heart of Sarah’s leadership is a commitment to people. She has championed a culture of trust, professional development and flexibility, introducing programmes that support learning, wellbeing and career pathways. This approach has strengthened staff engagement and created a high-performing team aligned behind a clear mission.
Her leadership extends to the next generation of the sector. Initiatives such as the Early Careers Ambassadors network and targeted development pathways have helped open opportunities for emerging professionals and ensured fresh voices are included in shaping the organisation’s future.
Driving inclusion and sector influence
Sarah has also embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into the organisation’s strategy, delivering sector-wide inclusion programmes and ensuring that accessibility and representation are core to the organisation’s values. This leadership approach has helped strengthen CIWM Group’s role as a trusted voice across industry, policy and global partnerships.
A deserving winner
Sarah’s leadership has reshaped CIWM Group into a confident, outward-looking organisation with global reach, strong financial foundations and a clear purpose. Her ability to combine strategic foresight with people-centred leadership has delivered growth, influence and renewed energy across the membership community.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Sarah Poulter on being awarded the CEO Leadership Award at the 2025 Memcom Excellence Awards. Her vision and commitment exemplify the power of leadership to drive meaningful change for members, the sector and society.
