Former managing director of price comparison venture Confused.com, Dr Debra Williams, has taken up a new role driving the commercial agenda at the University of Wales Trinity St David.
Dr Williams has been appointed pro vice-chancellor, commercial and business relations. Her remit is to develop and lead the university’s commercial and business relations agenda and provide strategic leadership in the development of external partnerships.
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The university’s vice-chancellor Professor Elwen Evans, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Debra as a key member of our university’s senior leadership team. She is a highly experienced and insightful business leader who has a fantastic track record across many sectors and we are looking forward to working with her on a range of exciting activities."
Dr Williams’ career has seen her holding numerous senior executive and non-executive directorship roles, including those with Tesco Bank, NCR and Covea
As managing director of Confused.com, then part of Admiral Group, she helped develop the first price comparison site in the Ƶ.
She is also an angel investor and consults with companies both in the Ƶ, Europe, and the US. Her non-executive board roles include those with the Alacrity Foundation, Milford Haven Port Authority, Principality Building Society, Co-op Insurance.
She also chairs the Welsh Government’s Global Centre of Rail Excellence train and rail infrastructure testing facility in the Dulais Valley - an in development £400m project that is currently in the market place seeking to raise private finance.
On her appointment she: “I am delighted to accept the position of pro vice-chancellor at the university.
“The collaboration between business and higher education is an exciting one as it creates a cycle of learning, application, and growth, contributing to economic advancement and global competitiveness.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues and partners to empower the next generation to thrive in a dynamic world of knowledge, innovation and opportunities.”
