Dave Dalton is stepping down as CEO of British Glass after nearly 45 years in the glass industry. The departure removes a familiar face from the helm of the UK sector's leading trade body at a critical juncture for the industry.
The association now faces the challenge of appointing a successor during a period defined by mandatory decarbonisation targets, energy cost pressures, and accelerating consolidation among manufacturers. British Glass represents producers across flat glass, containers, fibreglass, and specialty segments—a diverse membership navigating divergent regulatory pathways across the UK and EU markets.
Dalton's long tenure spanned significant industry shifts: the shift toward double glazing in the 1980s, EU environmental directives, and most recently the Net Zero transition. His successor will inherit complex negotiations with policymakers over carbon border adjustments, energy support schemes, and skills shortages affecting production capacity.
The timing of the leadership change underscores pressure points facing the sector. Glass manufacturers are caught between rising green investment requirements and volatile energy markets that have squeezed margins since 2021. Industry observers will watch closely whether the new leadership brings fresh strategic direction or continuity on established advocacy priorities.
