Transport for Wales appoints three women to its board
THE company overseeing the railways in Wales has appointed three women to its board. Transport for Wales, which is wholly-owned by the Welsh Government, has appointed as non executive directors:
■ Sarah Howells, head of customer Service at Nantgarw-based furniture manufacturer, Orangebox;
■ Nikki Kemmery, head of health and safety at Welsh Water; and
■ Alison Noon-Jones, human resources director at Leidos Europe.
They join current board members in interim chair Nick Gregg, chief executive of Transport for Wales James Price – who has been seconded from the Welsh Government’s civil service – and Martin Dorchester. Board members Peter Kennedy and Brain McKenzie have stood down.
In May, following the biggest ever procurement exercise ever seen in Wales, it awarded the contract to run the next 15-year Wales and Borders rail franchise and the next phase of the south Wales Metro, with around 80% electrification of the existing core Valley Lines, to joint venture KeolisAmey.
With the cost of new rolling stock and rail operating subsidies, the contract is worth around £5bn over the next 15 years.
Transport for Wales, which is relocating to Pontypridd from Cardiff, could also see its role extended into areas including bus and roads.
Mr Gregg said: “Transport for Wales has a crucial role to play in spearheading the long-term future vision for integrated transport in Wales.
“This vision is transformational and will have a significant impact on the people, communities and businesses of Wales.
“We now need to ensure that we continue to develop Transport for Wales as an expert organisation that can deliver this vision and keep Wales moving.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Sarah, Nikki and Alison to the board as I’m confident that they will have a significant impact on Transport for Wales’ development.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Peter and Brian for their valuable contribution to Transport for Wales and the board over the past few years.”
The new board members have been appointed for three-year terms.