New team members add diversity to Global Welsh
GlobalWelsh has announced two new members to its core team, following a campaign to diversify its line-up and help expand the initiative’s overseas links and partnerships.
Joining the board is Jennifer Richards, an investment and pension professional who has worked in the Irish and international industry for almost 25 years. Residing in Dublin, Jennifer has been with her current employer, Aberdeen Standard Investments, since 2004 and has held a number of roles, all focused on sales and client relationship management, from European sales and European wholesale clients to Irish life insurance.
Ms Richards also worked for three years as a senior portfolio manager with Allied Irish Bank Investment Managers as well as Mercer as an investment consultant. She graduated from University of Wales, Aberystwyth, with an honours degree in statistics (BSc) and holds an MSc degree in investment and treasury from Dublin City University.
Ms Richards holds a number of regulated board positions for fund companies run by her employer, based in Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerlandand and Mauritius. She is also a director of the Irish Association of Investment Managers.
Also joining the GlobalWelsh team is Ram Morjaria, who becomes chief financial officer, replacing Craig Blackmore, who is lead director for Verde Corporate Finance (part of Greenaway Scott Group).
For 14 years, Mr Morjaria has assisted businesses seeking seed/EIS funds and matched-funded grants both from UK and local government and within the EU. He also advises SMEs and and established businesses on growth strategies, reporting systems and exit strategies.
Mr Morjaria is currently engaged as a managing director for Kickstart Mentor Ltd, helping small businesses with growth and scale-up potential, following his earlier role with the Wales Business Angel Network.
Ms Richards said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to join the board of GlobalWelsh. I have lived in Ireland for almost 25 years and I have seen first-hand the positive benefits that an engaged and supportive diaspora can have to a relatively small economy. There are so many great things about Wales, Welsh people and Welsh businesses that should be recognised, shared and amplified around the world.”
Of Jennifer’s appointment, GlobalWelsh chairman and WRU CEO Martyn Phillips said: “Jennifer’s appointment as a new board member will bring on board a wealth of experience and understanding of the financial services industry, where we know we have a very successful diaspora. As well as her role on the board, Jennifer will be proactive in establishing our presence in Ireland and within the financial services sector, especially in London.”
Welcoming Ram Morjaria to the team, GlobalWelsh founder Walter May said: “We are delighted to have Ram as part of the team - and his SME coaching will no doubt prove beneficial for the entrepreneurs and growing businesses within the GlobalWelsh community.”