S4C announces appointment of civil servant as new chief

WELSH language channel S4C has turned to a senior Welsh Government civil servant for its next chief executive.

Owen Evans, currently the Welsh Government’s deputy permanent secretary with responsibilities for education and public service, will take up his new role in October – succeeding current chief executive Ian Jones.

Mr Evans, who lives in Cardiff, was educated at Ysgol Penweddig, Aberystwyth, before graduating in economics at Swansea University. He was a member of the Welsh Language Board between 2005 and 2010. He is currently a member of the Marie Curie advisory board for Wales.

S4C takes on a £10m Government loan as the broadcaster prepares for major changes. Mr Evans was on the shortlist for the permanent secretary post at the helm of the Welsh Government’s civil service – overseeing 5,000 civil servants. However, along with other deputy permanent secretary James Price, he lost out to Shan Morgan.

S4C’s chairman Huw Jones said: “We are very fortunate to be able to appoint as S4C’s leader for the coming years someone who has demonstrated his ability in so many fields. Owen has shown more than once during his career the ability to adapt and take on major new responsibilities, including in the field of technology and the Welsh language.

“He is a highly respected leader with particular experience of building partnerships. Together with the talented people already working at S4C, we can look forward to the future with confidence.”

S4C would not disclose Mr Evans’ salary. In the last financial year Mr Jones as chief executive received £147,000, plus pension contribution of £27,000.