Highlights

  • Cleanaway has appointed Nigel Simonsz as Chief Financial Officer, with his appointment effective 27 July 2026.
  • Outgoing CFO Paul Binfield will remain with the company through the first half of FY27 to support FY26 reporting and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
  • Cleanaway expects to report FY26 underlying EBIT of approximately AUD 470 million, around the midpoint of the guidance issued in April 2026.
  • The company will provide further financial details when it releases its FY26 full-year results on 20 August 2026.
  • Management said the CFO transition supports the continued execution of Blueprint 2030, with an ongoing focus on disciplined capital allocation and cash generation.

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited (ASX:CWY) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer while also providing an update on its expected FY26 earnings. The company confirmed that Nigel Simonsz will join the business later this month, succeeding long-serving Chief Financial Officer Paul Binfield, who has decided to step down after more than five years with Cleanaway. Alongside the leadership announcement, Cleanaway reaffirmed its expectations for FY26 underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), with full-year results scheduled for release in August.

During the morning session on 22 July 2026, Cleanaway shares traded at AUD 2.28, down 0.65% for the day. Over the past twelve months, the stock remains 20.66% lower, as investors continue to monitor the company's operational performance and strategic initiatives.

Leadership Transition Marks Next Phase for Finance Function

Cleanaway announced that Nigel Simonsz has been appointed as the company's next Chief Financial Officer and is scheduled to commence the role on 27 July 2026.

The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process undertaken by the company after current Chief Financial Officer Paul Binfield decided to step down from the position.

To facilitate a structured handover, Paul Binfield will remain with Cleanaway throughout the first half of FY27, supporting completion of the FY26 financial reporting process and assisting with the transition of responsibilities.

The company said this approach is intended to provide continuity across the finance function while ensuring an orderly transfer of leadership.

Incoming CFO Brings Listed Company Experience

Nigel Simonsz joins Cleanaway with experience across several publicly listed organisations.

Before joining the company, he served as Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Chief Executive Officer at United Petroleum.

He also previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Sigma Healthcare Limited and Australian Agricultural Company, bringing experience across finance, commercial operations and executive leadership.

Commenting on the appointment, Chief Executive Officer Mark Schubert said Nigel's financial, commercial and leadership experience across listed companies would support the continued execution of the company's Blueprint 2030 strategy.

Management also indicated that his experience is expected to complement Cleanaway's ongoing focus on disciplined capital allocation and cash generation.

Company Thanks Outgoing CFO

Cleanaway also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Chief Financial Officer Paul Binfield, who has been part of the company for more than five years.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Schubert said Paul had played an important role in strengthening the organisation during a period that included transformational acquisitions, improvements in financial discipline and the development of the company's Blueprint 2030 strategy.

Management stated that while the company respects his decision to step down, it appreciates his commitment to remaining with the business during the transition period to support reporting requirements and the handover to his successor.

The company also expressed its appreciation for his leadership and contribution over the past five years.

FY26 Earnings Expected Around Guidance Midpoint

Alongside the leadership announcement, Cleanaway provided an update on its financial expectations for FY26.

The company expects to report underlying EBIT of approximately AUD 470 million for the financial year ended 30 June 2026.

This outcome is expected to be around the midpoint of the guidance range previously provided to the Australian Securities Exchange on 14 April 2026.

No changes were made to the previously communicated earnings expectations, with management indicating that further financial detail will be provided when the company releases its audited FY26 results.

Cleanaway confirmed that its FY26 full-year financial results will be announced on 20 August 2026.

Blueprint 2030 Remains a Strategic Focus

The latest announcement also reaffirmed Cleanaway's continued focus on delivering its long-term Blueprint 2030 strategy.

According to management, the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer aligns with the company's objective of maintaining disciplined capital allocation while continuing to strengthen cash generation.

Blueprint 2030 serves as the company's long-term strategic framework, guiding investment decisions and operational priorities across the business.

Management indicated that the incoming finance leadership will support continued execution of these strategic objectives while maintaining financial discipline.

Further details regarding financial performance and strategic progress are expected to accompany the FY26 results announcement next month.

Cleanaway's National Waste Management Network

Cleanaway is Australia's largest sustainable waste management, industrial and environmental services provider.

The company employs approximately 10,000 people and operates from more than 350 locations across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Its operations include Australia's largest waste and industrial services fleet, comprising more than 6,400 vehicles, supported by an extensive network of recycling facilities, transfer stations, engineered landfills, liquid treatment plants and refineries.

Through these operations, Cleanaway provides waste management, recycling and environmental services to customers across multiple industries while working alongside governments, regulators, communities and industry partners.

The company states that its purpose is centred on making a sustainable future possible through its environmental services platform.

What This Means for Investors?

Cleanaway's latest announcement combines a planned leadership transition with an update on FY26 earnings expectations. The appointment of Nigel Simonsz introduces a new Chief Financial Officer ahead of the company's next phase under Blueprint 2030, while the retention of Paul Binfield through the first half of FY27 is intended to support continuity during the transition. At the same time, the company reaffirmed its expectation of reporting underlying EBIT of approximately AUD 470 million for FY26, with additional financial information due when full-year results are released on 20 August 2026.