Darren Powell

CEO

Having gained over 20 years’ experience within Private Equity, Owner Managed and PLC businesses, leading them through significant change and growth, I love working with skilled and diligent management teams, to deliver a world class customer experience that delivers profitable growth together with stakeholder value.

My sector exposure ranges from B2B/B2C services, mobile workforce, Technology and Manufacturing both nationally and internationally, in businesses with revenues ranging from £10m to £2bn.

I’m a hands-on, down to earth leader who enjoys a challenge.  You’ll find me as comfortable into the detail as strategically.

Out of work, I’m kept busy with my 4 children who share my love for competitive sports.  I’ve always loved Golf and Football and more recently added running to my pain or pleasure!   Always enjoy our NRG Riverside Golf Day to try to win some trophies!

Russell Markstein

Chief Commercial Officer

Even after a 35-year career in the waste and municipal sectors, every day is still a school day. I have come a very long way from my early career as a semi-skilled plant fitter, driving a gritter for Northamptonshire County Council before moving into commercial contracts and management. I joined NRG Riverside in 2007 and I have long been an ambassador of alternative fuels and technology. I’m actively involved in the Optimised Waste and Logistics Group and I’m also proud to say I am qualified as Carbon Literate.
I have built very strong relationships with our customers and our manufacturers over the years, many of whom are still partnering with us 10-15 years later; I’m proud to have secured and mobilised some fantastic contracts.
I enjoy astrophotography and all things related to space, including Star Trek, so it should come as no surprise that I spent my first pay check on a model kit of the Star Ship Enterprise.

Jenny Cook

Chief People Officer

Joining Riverside as People Services Director in 2021, I was promoted to Chief People Officer in March 2023. I’ve enjoyed a varied career across many different sectors, including retail, construction, manufacturing, security and fleet management. I am passionate about my role and consider myself lucky to be able to make a positive impact on all things people, inside and outside of the business. I completed my full programme of CIPD qualifications and topped it up with a masters in 2019. My dissertation entitled ‘how the presence of MHFAs in the workplace impact absence and employee wellbeing’ is something I am particularly proud of, and seeing this is in practice and its effect on our amazing people is so rewarding.

My first ever job was working in a shop where I cooked chicken and although it was long hours and stressful, it provided my first pay check, which I spent on a flute and learned how to play using a “Tune A Day” book – I still have that flute today.

Matt Darnell

Group Chief Technology Office

I’ve been 20 years leading IT services for over 20 years looking at security, development and transformation across inflight entertainment, financial services, healthcare and now, specialist vehicle rental.

I enjoy engagement with traditional non-IT users and introducing them to the ways in which IT can improve their roles within the business. This helps ensure we deliver an IT service and platform that our end users and customers alike can benefit from.

What makes me laugh? Golf! It seems to be the only game where the best partner is one whom is a little bit worse than you!

Fran Reed

Finance Director

I love the variety of my role as Finance Director – one day I’ll be working with banks to look at funding lines for new fleet, and the next day I could be analysing different scenarios for a new contract we’re tendering for.
I qualified as a chartered accountant in 2011 whilst working in PwC’s north-west audit team and spent 6 years at an AIM listed financial and legal services business and 3 years at Suttons Tankers before joining NRG Riverside in my first Directorate role in April 2022. I’m proud to work at NRG Riverside because we are a people centric business that recognises the fundamental contribution our team makes to driving business growth, and we are committed to attracting, rewarding, and retaining great people
Looking back, at age 14, I got my first job as a milk boy riding on the back of the milk float – jumping on and off to deliver people’s milk, I think most of my pay at this point went on CDs!

Chris Snelson

Fleet and Asset Director

I have spent my entire career in the specialist fleet contract hire industry and was the third person to join NRG Riverside in 1998 while the company was still in its infancy. I have worked across many aspects of the business since, including rentals, servicing, and key account management. 25 years later and I am still enjoying the fast pace and working alongside a team of great people. As Fleet and Asset Director, it’s been amazing to watch how fleet technology has evolved and how we have diversified our fleet to meet the unique needs of our customers.

John Matthews

COO

I joined NRG Riverside two and a half years ago, having spent 30 years in the fleet and asset management business, but working in other sectors, including waste, environmental, technology and retail. I enjoy the pace of NRG Riverside and how my role allows me to influence not only business strategy, but also our growing culture of positivity, wellbeing and development of our people.
As Chief Operating Officer, my key areas of operational expertise are Asset Management (specification, purchasing, maintenance and disposal of fleet assets), implementation and management of compliance systems, and logistics supply chain, including transport and warehouse operations.
What makes me laugh? That’s easy – My family. They bring me great joy, especially some of the things my kids say/have said. Teenagers never disappoint!