Meet our new members from early 2024

In the first few months of 2024 we have been pleased to welcome two new members to the Oakdene Hollins team, Simon Scholes, who had previously been working with Oakdene Hollins as an associate and, Sonia Sanchez Torres. Simon Scholes has joined Oakdene Hollins as a Principal Consultant and our new Head of Operations and Sonia as a Senior Managing Consultant. In this article, our intern Lawrence interviewed these team members so that we could get to know them a little more.

When did they join Oakdene Hollins?

Simon has been working with Oakdene Hollins since February 2023 as an associate, and joined as Principal Consultant and Head of Operations in February 2024. Also, Simon has recently become the new owner of Oakdene Hollins which can read be about in a previous article.

Looking to work within a boutique consultancy, Sonia joined the Oakdene Hollins team in May 2024 as a Senior Managing Consultant.

What are their backgrounds in sustainability?

Simon has had a myriad of board level expertise in the plastics recycling and access control industries spanning over twenty years. Simon’s experience includes VEKA Recycling, where Simon advanced his role to managing director and was responsible for leading strategy and financial planning to establish a trusted route for PVC window waste and growing the company profile to establish it as the market leader in the UK.

In addition, Simon was a vice chairman of the Recycling group at the British Plastics Federation, working with UK plastic recyclers to inform on industry, political and economic initiatives and changes. As well as promoting best practice within the industry and working with government ministers and departments, including DEFRA and BEIS, to advise and direction on policy for the benefit of environment, industry and economy.

Sonia specialises in sustainability strategy, Net-Zero road maps, and the circular economy, having previously run her own consultancy in the toy market. She has a Master's Degree in Sustainability and has supported organisations of all kinds and sizes in designing and implementing sustainability initiatives that drive competitive advantage while delivering positive effects to society and the environment since 2011. Sonia is passionate about utilising the power of sustainability to elevate brands and brands' potential for positive impact; supporting businesses to become part of the solution for societal and environmental challenges.

What brings them joy outside the workplace?

Simon: I am married with two teenage children and a small, but very lively dog. My wife and I enjoy entertaining and I am especially happy if this can involve a barbeque. My passion lies within classic car restoration aI have owned almost 100 cars in my life. Current projects include a 50 year old MGB and a Land Rover Series 3, either can usually be relied upon to have something rattling that requires me to get under the bonnet.

Sonia: I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading, trekking and visiting exhibitions. As a keen adventurer, I hope to take up kayaking or paddle boarding this year.

We are excited to welcome both Simon and Sonia to the Oakdene Hollins team with their wealth of expertise in sustainability strategy with clients. Equally we look forward to seeing the variety of classic cars brought to the office by Simon and await a team-building kayaking day in the future led by Sonia.