Gemma Zecchini

Gemma Zecchini was appointed CEO of Stewardship Ontario (SO) in 2009. Since then, she has been leveraging her understanding of environmental priorities and challenges to build Ontario’s first industry product stewardship organization into a recognized leader in diversion and recycling.

During her tenure, Gemma has spearheaded various governance initiatives, including bringing key management decision-making responsibilities in house, introducing new rigor and discipline into SO’s day-to-day operations and working closely with her board on a governance transformation initiative. Her accomplishments include establishing a senior management team and organizational infrastructure, forging stronger partnerships with municipalities, and driving the development of a risk management program and accountability framework.

As CEO, Gemma plays an integral role in managing Stewardship Ontario’s reputation, and building trust and confidence among stakeholders. She works with partners both to provide education about the changing face of stewardship and to promote the value of steward-led product stewardship in building sustainable communities.

Before joining Stewardship Ontario, Gemma helped advance Ontario’s waste reduction and diversion goals. From 2003-2008, she served as chair of Waste Diversion Ontario (2003-2008), the agency created by government to oversee a range of waste diversion programs, including Blue Box, Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste (MHSW) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive).
She has served on the boards of other environmental organizations, including Encorp Pacific Canada, a not-for-profit product stewardship corporation, and Boissons Gazeuses Environnement, which was created by Quebec’s soft-drink industry to manage the consignment, recovery and recycling of non-refillable containers.

Gemma also brings to Stewardship Ontario extensive public- and private-sector experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, communications, project management, human resources and public relations.

Gemma has held a number of senior-level posts, most recently as senior vice-president of public policy and public affairs for Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), and CEO of Refreshments Canada. In both organizations, she was responsible for leading advocacy initiatives and negotiations on behalf of Canadian-based multinational companies with all levels of government. Earlier, as a consultant with KPMG, she worked on several high-profile public transformation initiatives.

Gemma is accredited through the International Association of Business Communicators (ABC), is certified as a chartered director (C.Dir.) through the Director’s College, and holds a certificate in change management through U of T’s Rotman School of Business. She has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Western Ontario.