Cardiff Blues welcome new boss to their board
Professional rugby region the Cardiff Blues has further strengthened its board with the appointment of chief executive of FTSE 100 firm Halma Andrew Williams to its board.
His appointment follows the announcement that founder of leading price comparison firm Gocompare Hayley Parsons has also joined the board of the Cardiff Arms Parkbased club as a non-executive director.
Mr Williams, who grew up in Cardiff and attended Llanishen High School, joined Halma, a global group of technology firms that provide solutions to safety, health and environmental problems, in 1994. The business now has a market capitalisation
of £7.4bn.
In its last financial year to the end of March 2019, Halma had a turnover of £1.2bn and a pre-tax profit of £206m.
Mr Williams, 54, said: “I have supported Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues for as long as I can remember, beginning with my father taking us as children, and was a season ticket-holder in the old north enclosure for the best part of 30 years before I had to move away from Cardiff for work reasons.
“I have followed the team through the good times and bad times, and like all supporters, I want us to be back competing at the top end of all competitions on a sustainable basis.
“I’m determined to do what I can on the business side of things to improve Cardiff Blues and deliver success, which is vital if we are to build a stronger platform for the whole of Welsh rugby to thrive.
“As businesses are going through change, as the professional game in Wales currently is, it is crucial to agree clear goals supported by understandable and achievable strategy.
“Getting this right enables everyone involved to work together with a clear idea of what they need to do every day to get there.
“I am looking forward to working with everyone involved with the Blues to develop a sustainable and successful business, which truly harnesses all of the resources available to us, both on and off the field.”
Chairman of the Cardiff Blues, and managing partner of law firm Hugh James, Alun Jones, said: “Bringing Andrew on board as a non-executive director is another really big acquisition for the company.
“He will provide big-hitting business experience to the board and has a hugely impressive track record. Andrew will be a major contributor to creating, and delivering upon, all of our business objectives.
“He is also a long-standing supporter, who is passionate about Cardiff Blue.”