Cleanaway Waste Management has announced a change in its Chief Financial Officer position, with Paul Binfield stepping down after more than five years at the helm and Nigel Simonsz taking on the role from 27 July 2026. The move represents a natural transition rather than an abrupt departure, with Binfield remaining with the company through the first half of FY27 to support the reporting process and ensure continuity during the handover.
Simonsz brings substantial public company experience to the role. He has served as both Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Chief Executive Officer at United Petroleum, and previously held the Chief Financial Officer position at Sigma Healthcare Limited and Australian Agricultural Company. This breadth of operational and financial leadership suggests the incoming CFO has navigated the kinds of complex capital allocation decisions and growth initiatives that Cleanaway is pursuing under its Blueprint 2030 strategy.
Paul Binfield’s tenure has been noteworthy for his involvement in transformational acquisitions and the strengthening of financial discipline across the organisation. Chief Executive Officer Mark Schubert’s comments acknowledge Binfield’s instrumental role in shaping the Blueprint 2030 strategy, which the company is positioning as foundational for long-term sustainable growth. His willingness to remain through the transition period reflects a collaborative approach to succession planning rather than a contested departure.
The announcement also provides an earnings update for FY26, with Cleanaway expecting to report underlying EBIT of approximately 470 million dollars. This figure sits around the midpoint of the guidance range the company provided to the ASX on 14 April 2026. The guidance suggests execution has been reasonably consistent with management expectations announced four months earlier, though full details will only emerge when Cleanaway releases its complete FY26 results on 20 August 2026.
For investors, the succession signals a stable leadership transition with clear continuity. The incoming CFO’s experience at other listed companies, particularly in an operational capacity, may help drive the capital efficiency and cash generation focus that management has emphasised. The key milestone to watch will be the full FY26 results announcement, where investors can assess underlying earnings per share, capital expenditure guidance, and any commentary on the cash generation trajectory under the Blueprint 2030 plan. This announcement is classified as price-sensitive by the ASX and has been flagged as material information.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About Cleanaway Waste Management Limited (ASX: CWY)
Cleanaway Waste Management Limited is Australia’s largest waste management business providing collection, processing, treatment, recycling, and disposal of waste across municipal, commercial, and industrial sectors. The company operates a national footprint and handles hazardous liquids, medical waste, and various industrial waste streams. It also owns and manages transfer stations, recycling facilities, and landfills across Australia.
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