Natural Resources Wales appoints next chief executive
THE largest environmental body in Wales, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), has appointed Clare Pillman as its next chief executive.
The Welsh Government sponsored body, which was formed in April 2013, has a staffing number of nearly 2,000 across Wales and a budget of £180m.
Currently director for culture, tourism and sport at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport in Westminster, Ms Pillman will take up the post in late February 2018.
She takes over from Emyr Roberts who retired last week having been chief executive of NRW since its inception.
Ms Pillman’s current role includes responsibility for policy on culture, tourism and sport, bodies such as Historic England, Visit Britain, UK Sport and the Royal Parks, as well as delivering the UK’s centenary commemorations of the First World War, the Rugby World Cup and the bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Previously she was responsible for running Her Majesty’s Courts Service in Wales.
She said: “NRW is an extraordinary organisation with a wide and aspirational remit, a strong and committed professional workforce and a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of Wales’ unique landscapes. “I look forward to working with the chair, board, executive team and all the staff to take the important work of NRW to the next level.”
Diane McCrea, chair of NRW, said: “We are looking forward to the next part of our journey as an organisation and building on the foundation that Emyr Roberts put in place.
“I want to welcome Clare as she joins us and as we continue our crucial work to look after the fantastic environment we have in Wales for its people, for wildlife and for the economy.”
Ms Pillman grew up on a smallholding five miles from her current home at Nercwys near Mold. A Welsh learner, she has passed her GCSE in Welsh and has previously been honoured at the National Eisteddfod for her contribution to bilingualism in the justice system.
Kevin Ingram, NRW’s executive director for finance and corporate Services, has been appointed interim chief executive following Mr Roberts’ retirement.