Papilo appoints CEO to lead total waste management group into new era

Papilo, the fast-growing total waste management solution provider backed by our Impact Fund has announced the appointment of Michael Gibson as Chief Executive Officer. Michael joined the business on 1 April 2026.

Michael, previously a business unit Managing Director at Mitie, the £5bn turnover listed facilities management group, has taken over the reins at Papilo from current CEO, Paul Hodgkiss.

Paul, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the water and recycling sector and joined the business in 2010, will be remaining with the business in a strategic new business role as part of a long-term succession plan at the Greater Manchester-based company.

We invested in the business in June 2023 out of our Impact Fund, which seeks to invest £10m – £25m in commercially driven businesses with a mission to positively impact society or the environment.

Papilo has delivered strong growth in the last two years and in January 2026, it completed its second and largest acquisition – Warwick-based Allwood Recycling Solutions – creating a combined group of more than 200 employees with annual revenues exceeding £60 million.

CEO Paul Hodgkiss said: “Michael’s experience, track record and passion for our industry make him an outstanding appointment for the business and I am looking forward to working with him as he leads Papilo into the next chapter of its growth story.

“Our mission at Papilo is to be a leader in growing the circular economy, and with a best-in-class investor and a fantastic team I believe we now have a great new CEO to enable us to maximise the opportunities for further growth.”

Michael Gibson, CEO, added: ”I am incredibly excited to have joined Papilo.  Paul has done an outstanding job in building the business, and I know I have big shoes to fill!

“I am relishing the challenge and I looking forward to working with the talented team in the business and building on the excellent partnership with Palatine.”

Greg Holmes, Senior Investment Director at Palatine Impact Fund commented: “Papilo is making great strides in driving change in the circular economy. Strengthening the leadership team and planning for eventual succession were always part of our strategic plan, so we are delighted with Michael’s appointment.

“Having completed two value-enhancing acquisitions in the last twelve months, we’re working with the Papilo team to identify further strategic M&A opportunities and look forward to another year of progress.”