Welsh Water has announced that Chairman Alastair Lyons will retire at the end of the year, with Jane Hanson set to succeed him from January. Jane Hanson, currently chair of the audit committee, brings over 30 years of board-level experience in various sectors.
Mr Lyons, who served as chair since 2016, expressed his confidence in Hanson, highlighting her extensive background and insights gained as a board member over the past three years. He emphasised the critical role Welsh Water plays in the lives of its customers and noted the importance of Hanson’s expertise for the company’s future.
Hanson stated her commitment to maintaining the company’s strong ethos while driving performance improvements, acknowledging the dedication of the team at Welsh Water. The company recently raised £600m through a successful bond issue, aimed at supporting its investment plans for the next regulatory period.
Leon Stapleton has been appointed as the ambassador for the British Business Bank in Wales. Stapleton, founder of We Make Footballers Cardiff, utilised a £15,000 start up loan to launch the first franchise in Wales. He expressed his enthusiasm for the start up loans ambassadors programme, aiming to inspire others to transform their passions into businesses.
Jessica Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, praised Stapleton’s determination and drive, anticipating that his story would motivate others to pursue entrepreneurship.
Principality Building Society has appointed Karen Maguire to its board. Maguire, a chartered accountant with experience in strategic financial management, is expected to enhance the board’s audit committee. Simon Moore, chair of Principality, noted her expertise in audit and risk management as key assets for the organisation.
Karen Robson has been announced as the new chief executive of the Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness charity. Robson, with a background in various senior roles and extensive experience in supporting marginalised groups, aims to build on the charity’s mission. She expressed her excitement about contributing to the organisation’s efforts in combating inequality and injustice.
Kilsby Williams has strengthened its audit and accountancy team with four new appointments, including Channa Wijesekera, Stephanie Pingue, Ryan Jeffs, and Alex Manton. Managing partner Simon Tee welcomed the new team members, acknowledging their diverse skills and the benefits they would bring to the firm’s clients.
Rhys Price has joined Knight Frank’s industrial and logistics team in Cardiff as an associate partner. Price, formerly with Cooke & Arkwright, brings significant experience in the industrial market. Neil Francis, head of the logistics team, highlighted the importance of Price’s appointment in expanding the firm’s capabilities.
Dr Meinir Jones has been appointed to the board of Life Sciences Hub Wales. Dr Jones, a Welsh-speaking GP with over 25 years of clinical experience, expressed her eagerness to collaborate with key partners in the health and care sectors. Her prior roles include leading the design of the GP-led minor injury unit at Prince Phillip Hospital and contributing to the mobilisation of Covid-19 field hospitals in West Wales. Cari-Anne Quinn, chief executive of the Hub, noted that Dr Jones’ clinical expertise and leadership would benefit the organisation and the broader health and social care sectors.
These strategic appointments reflect a robust commitment to advancing business and community initiatives across Wales, strengthening the organisations involved and reinforcing their roles in societal development.