Star Rhys’ lastest role – marketing a top Welsh tech firm in the States
Fresh from his lead actor Emmy award success, Matthew Rhys has taken up a new role to help one of Wales’ leading technology firms break into the lucrative US market.
The Cardiff-born actor has been made ambassador for Carmarthenshire-based water solutions firm Hydro Industries.
The business has a growing client base for its solutions in providing clean water to some of the world’s most remote regions, including in Somalia and Sudan, as well as treating waste water for multinational companies.
In his non-remunerated role, Mr Rhys will help promote Hydro Industries globally, but particularly in the US, where it has ambitious growth plans.
Hydro Industries is also involved in exploratory talks over how to address the pressing Michigan water crisis.
Earlier this week Mr Rhys took the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award at the Emmys in Los Angeles for his role in the TV drama The Americans.
He said: “It is businesses like Hydro that make you proud to be Welsh.
“The team are using their technology for good, getting to the remote and rural places that desperately need clean drinking water.
“They are also creating highlyskilled jobs at home in south Wales. It is a great company and I’m delighted to be on board.”
Wayne Preece, chief executive of Llangennech-based Hydro Industries, said: “I have been a huge admirer of Matthew for a long time – not only his work but the way he flies the flag for Wales all over the world.
“We are determined to show that Welsh businesses can be powerhouse global exporters, and so it’s great to have the support of one of Wales’ most famous exports.”
Earlier this month Hydro Industries was one of two Welsh technology companies that accompanied Prime Minister Theresa May on a trade mission to Africa.
On the trip it also announced it has joined forces with Swanseabased construction firm Dawnus and the School of Management at Swansea University to offer solutions for some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Mr Preece said: “The combined expertise and experience of Dawnus, Hydro and Swansea University must surely present an irresistible opportunity to ensure that precious taxpayer funds harness the best of British innovation, technology, manufacturing and construction to address the toughest challenges of the developing world in an efficient and impactful way.”