Here we feature the latest appoints in Welsh business
Adult Learning Wales has appointed Bernie Davies as its vice president elect. Her appointment will be presented to the membership for ratification at the AGM in April.
Ms Davies is a highly respected leader in diversity, inclusion, and social justice, with an impressive track record of fostering empowerment and innovation. She is the founder of Mastering Diversity Wales and serves as an ambassador for the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club.
She has also held influential roles, including being a non -executive director of Business in Focus, and independent member of the advisory panel of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, and an Ambassador for Peace for the Universal Peace Federation.
As vice president elect, she will work closely with president Nia Parry to advance the organisation’s goals, leveraging her extensive networks and leadership expertise to broaden its reach and impact. Her role will enhance ongoing efforts to engage underserved communities and strengthen the profile of Adult Learning Wales across Wales and beyond.
John Graystone, chair of Adult Learning Wales, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Bernie as vice resident Elect. Her leadership and passion for social justice align seamlessly with our mission. Bernie’s contributions will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver transformative learning opportunities for all.”
Kathryn Robson, chief executive, said “Bernie’s appointment represents a significant step forward for Adult Learning Wales. Her energy, expertise, and dedication to inclusion will empower us to connect with diverse communities and drive meaningful change.”
Adult Learning Wales is excited to embark on this next chapter, confident that Bernie Davies’s vision and advocacy will be a driving force in advancing inclusive education and lifelong learning.
Delio
Leading white-label private market operating systems for financial institutions venture, Delio, has appointed Felicia Meyerowitz Singh as is new chair to support its growth plans.
She has more than 20 years experience in financial services, working for PwC and Howden before becoming a managing director at FNZ.
She currently serves as a non-executive director at Platform One, a FCA-regulated investment platform, as well as on the board for Engage Smarter AI, which leverages AI for customer services and financial guidance.
She also has a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and co-founded brands such as Akoni, a digital cash management platform, Hive Founders, encouraging and supporting early-stage female founders as well as Prime Professions, which was sold to Willis Towers Watson.
Delio provides solutions for financial services, helps firms digitalise and scale its private market capabilities, providing an enriched digital investor experience to their end clients.
As part of its strategic growth plans in 2025, Delio will be further building out key relationships with strategic partners and increasing headcount presence in key markets across the Ƶ, Europe and US.
Having achieved profitability in 2024 as well as seeing strong revenue uplift, the business will continue to accelerate its growth agenda in 2025 as part of a three-year strategic plan to continue its track record of sustainable revenue growth across global markets.
Founder and co-chief executive, Gareth Lewis, said :“We are really happy to welcome Felicia as Chair of Delio. Her track record in the financial services industry, and her expertise in scaling technology infrastructures and partnerships in financial services in particular, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.
Felicia’s expertise and passion for being hands on and “finding a way” align perfectly with our mission to become the operating system of choice for firms needing the building blocks upon which to achieve their ambitions in a rapidly evolving private markets landscape.
The chair said:Delio has continually redefined the private market space with their innovative technology and solutions, part of which I want to develop even further to accelerate the growth plans in the new year.
I look forward to working alongside the talented team, and am also extremely grateful for the opportunity, to drive strategic growth, foster meaningful collaborations, and cement Delio’s position as a global leader in the financial services sector, and I really believe that with the right people and right strategies, Delio will be able to grow at a very rapid rate.”
Principality
Principality Building Society has appointed Maria Timon Samra to its board. With over 30 years’ experience across the private, public, and third sectors, she is an experienced executive having held senior roles in organisations such as Andersen, KPMG, Barclays and Tŷ Hafan.
As chief executive of Ty Hafan, she successfully navigated one of Wales’s leading children’s hospice charities through the financial and operational challenges of the pandemic to ensure that children with life-shortening conditions, and their families, had ongoing access to palliative care and support.
Simon Moore, chair of Principality’s board, said: “We are delighted to announce Maria as an addition to the Board. Her extensive expertise in driving strategic change whilst navigating highly regulated industries will play a crucial role in advancing the Society’s strategic ambitions.
“I look forward to her insights enhancing the effectiveness of our Board governance.”
Ms Timon Samra said: “I am delighted to be joining Principality Building Society, with its proud Welsh heritage and unwavering focus on the members it serves. The purpose-led mutual sector aligns with my own values and commitment to delivering positive and sustainable outcomes for customers and communities. I look forward to contributing to the delivery of the Society’s vision and to helping to shape its future success.”
FleetEV
Cardiff-based FleetEV has appointed Caro Wild and Hannah Williams to its board. FleetEV is an electric vehicle (EV) services provider that focuses on helping organisations transition to electric vehicles through comprehensive leasing, salary sacrifice, and fleet solutions tailored to diverse client needs.
Hannah Williams, chief executive of the graduate entrepreneurship Alacrity Foundation initiative, has joined the business as a non executive director. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.
On her appointment, she said: “I’m so pleased to have joined FleetEV at such an exciting point in their journey. The growth they have seen this year is incredible, and projections for 2025 are just as impressive.
“Working alongside founder Jarrad Morris has been a delight, as his passion is infectious and is visible through the entire team. I can’t wait to see what this role has in store and what the future holds for FleetEV.”
Moreover, Climate change specialist Caro Wild has also joined the electric vehicle provider, from his previous role at Cardiff Council, where he held the post of cabinet member for transport and climate change. He will advise FleetEV on policy and political engagement as they cement themselves as market leaders in Wales, leading the EV charge.
He said: “Moving to electric vehicles is the quickest way we as a society can reduce our emissions, and Wales and the Ƶ are already lagging behind other countries. FleetEV is at the forefront of the market and their services are going to help speed this transition up across the country.
“Being a Cardiff-based company who works with local suppliers and businesses to grow the local green economy, their ambitious plans to grow globally will put Wales at the forefront of the green transition, ensuring we help lead the charge against climate change.”
Jarrad Morris, chief executive and founder of FleetEV, said: “We’re so pleased to welcome both Hannah and Caro to the team. Their individual experience will undoubtedly enhance our strategy going into 2025 as we look to further expand and support our customers across the public and private sectors.”
Howden
Global insurance group Howden has appointed Daniel Abbott as corporate director at its South Wales corporate team.
He joins the team following his role as sales and development director at Watkin Davies, which was acquired by Howden in 2021.
As corporate director, Mr Abbott will focus on providing risk management solutions and effective risk transfer programmes for large, complex and multinational clients across industries such as marine, energy, construction and waste management.
He said:“I was thrilled for the opportunity to join Howden’s corporate team in South Wales at what is such an exciting period of growth. In my role I aim to work closely with our clients and partners to formulate strategic plans that enhance opportunities, while effectively promoting Howden’s comprehensive range of solutions and capabilities. I look forward to contributing to Howden’s continued growth and expansion throughout South Wales and beyond.”
Gary Stevens, regional managing director at Howden, added: “Daniel is an exceptional addition to our corporate team in South Wales and I have no doubt that he will make a strong impact on our growth and development, and catalyse the strategies involved to always provide the highest quality services. With his experience, he holds the key skills needed to create strategic solutions that not only benefit our clients fully but keep the true values and ethos of Howden at heart.”
Secureit
Fire prevention and security solutions provider Secureit has announced a significant addition to its board of directors as part of its ongoing evolution and growth strategy. Dylan Matthews, who has a wealth of experience in the hospitality and innovation sectors, has joined the Bridgend-based firm’s board as a non executive director.
Founded 17 years ago as a family-run business, Secureit has steadily grown into a respected name in the security solutions industry, The appointment of Mr Matthews marks another milestone in the company’s journey as it seeks further expansion.
Mr Matthews’ career includes serving as the chief executive of the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, where he played a key role in elevating its global standing as a leading hotel and conference venue.
Mr Matthews is currently a director at the Alacrity Foundation.
He said: “I am pleased to be part of Secureit’s journey as it continues to grow and innovate. The company’s commitment to excellence and its strong family values aligns strongly with my own principles. I enjoy the challenge of growing businesses and try to look at things from a different perspective. I look forward to working with the company’s board of directors, and positively contributing to future successes.”
Managing director Philip Popham said: “Dylan’s extensive experience and proven track record in leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and reach new heights. Dylan’s strategic insights of running businesses, especially where customer and operational security are business critical actions, will help guide Secureit through the next phase of our growth, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the fire prevention and security solutions industry.”
Mr Matthews joins Mike Gahan on the board, who was appointed as commercial director to the company earlier in the year.
Cardiff City FC Community Foundation
The official charity of Cardiff City FC has appointed Andrew Diplock as its chair designate. Mr Diplock will succeed the current chair of the Cardiff City FC Community, Leighton Andrews, at its annual general meeting in May.
As chair designate he will work closely with Mr Andrews, the board of trustees and the executive leadership team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Since joining the foundation in July 2023, entrepreneur and business owner Mr Diplock has brought experience in organisational strategy and business development. His leadership expertise spans private and public sectors, with significant experience in further education with Coleg y Cymoedd and chair of governors for a federation of two primary schools. He is a lifelong Cardiff City fan and season ticket holder.
He said: “The foundation does incredible work across Cardiff and surrounding communities.
“It’s an honour to be appointed as chair designate, and I look forward to continuing to work with the board and leadership team to maximise its impact.”
Former Welsh Government minister Mr Andrews joined the board of trustees in 2016 and was appointed chair in 2017.
He said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation. I have witnessed the Foundation grow our activities, income, and impact as we make a significant difference in the lives of individuals, schools, and local communities in South Wales. I am confident that Andrew’s experience will ensure the Foundation continues flourishing.”
Foundation director Gavin Hawkey said:“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Leighton for his leadership of the charity over the last seven years.
“Leighton has helped the charity navigate some challenging periods and emerge a more sustainable and impactful organisation. He has sharpened our strategic focus, championed good governance and laid the foundations for future success.”
Swansea Building Society
Swansea Building Society has added 13 new employees This year’s hires include roles across key areas, such as customer service, mortgage sales and administration, compliance, IT, and HR.
These include: Lynn Pamment (non-executive director); Carlos Cruz (risk and compliance); Curtis Morris (mortgage manager); Ben Russ (IT); Luke Jones and Rhys Morris (manager assistant support officers); Cathryn Evans, Nicola McCarthy, Sarah Duck, Natasha Batchelor (Cashiers); Leanne Staniforth (manager assistant); Katie Jones (mortgage administration) and Swagata Biswas (HR manager).
Alun Williams, chief executive of Swansea Building Society, said:“Our new team members bring with them a wealth of experience as well as fresh insight from a variety of backgrounds, strengthening our ability to provide exceptional service to our customers. At Swansea Building Society, we remain committed to branch expansion and building strong relationships with our members, offering a personal, tailored approach that stands out in today’s banking landscape.
“With these appointments, Swansea Building Society reaffirms its dedication to expanding its footprint while staying true to its community-centric values.”
