On the move in Welsh business
Organisations across Wales have made a host of top hires and promotions in recent weeks. In our latest jobs round-up, we take a look at some of those who have taken on new roles...
Centre for Digital Public Services The Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) has appointed Jack Rigby as its new head of technology. The arm’s length body of the Welsh Government was set up in 2021 to help the public sector in Wales provide better digital services.
Mr Rigby previously worked as an IT architect at HMRC where he designed changes to new and legacy tax systems. In his new role, he will be responsible for communicating complex problems and translating them into everyday language people can understand.
Mr Rigby said: “The digital ambitions of Wales and CDPS really excite me. There’s an opportunity here to set the standard for working together as a public sector and I can’t wait to play my part.”
Joint CEO of CDPS Myra Hunt said: “Coming to us from a senior digital role at HMRC, Jack has the right mix of technology expertise and experience to help us deliver on that mission and help shape the future of CDPS.”
Thirty4/7 Communications
Monmouthshire-based Thirty4/7
Communications has appointed Sara Powell-Davies as account manager as the firm looks to grow its client base.
Ms Powell-Davies joins from leading the communications activities and event calendar at RenewableUK Cymru. Prior to that she worked for Centrica and has considerable experience across the Welsh renewables sector, developing relationships with stakeholders across the political and developer spectrum.
Ms Powell-Davies said: “I see this as a wonderful opportunity to use my experience and knowledge to work with Thirty4/7 clients and colleagues to bring forward projects that will help us achieve the UK’s net zero aspirations.”
Will Morgan, founding director of Thirty4/7 Communications, said: “We’ve worked closely with Sara for several years in supporting various projects through the pre-application process in Wales, and I’ve always been impressed with her diligence and desire to further the case for a greener, more sustainable country.”
IG Design Group Plc
Gift wrap, stationery and Christmas cracker manufacturer IG Design Group has appointed Rohan Cummings to chief financial officer.
Mr Cummings joins the firm, which has its UK manufacturing and design plant at Ystrad Mynach, in July from his
position of CFO at collagen-based casings supplier Devro, where he was instrumental in the delivery of revenue growth and increased profitability.
Stewart Gilliland, chair of IG Design Group, said: “Rohan has extensive PLC experience, has worked within complex global operations as well as significant commercial and strategic capabilities. The
board and I are looking forward to working with him as we continue on our journey of driving the business forward.”
Equinox
Communications agency Equinox has promoted Rhian Floyd to senior account manager after five years. As the agency’s Welsh language lead, she
specialises in designing and delivering bilingual campaigns for clients.
Tezni Bancroft-Plummer, the firm’s accessibility and diversity lead, has been made a senior account executive, after 18 months with the business.
The company has moved to new offices at Tramshed Tech in Cardiff to support further expansion.
So far this year the firm has secured six new business and contract extensions with existing clients.
Harding Evans
Law firm Harding Evans, which has offices in Newport and Cardiff, has promoted six of its solicitors within its training scheme. Residential conveyancing solicitors Jamie Beese, Judith Krukowicz, Luisa Court and Rebecca Bewick, along with wills and probate solicitors Afonwy Howell-Pryce and Hannah Thomas have all been promoted.
Chairman Ken Thomas said: “Developing and retaining staff is one of our top priorities and this is reflected in our desire to promote from within, ensuring that the investment we make in our staff reaps dividends in the future. Afonwy, Hannah, Jamie, Jude, Luisa and Rebecca are all talented solicitors who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to both the firm and our clients.”
Lynn Group
Former Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, has taken up a new role with expanding communications agency Lynn Group.
She joins the Cardiff-based consultancy, which focuses on behavioural science to support its clients, as its first global strategic partner.
Ms Howe said: “It is imperative that public and private sector organisations recognise and embed behavioural science-led communication, protected from misinformation, into all work designed to shift environmental, cultural, social, and economic norms.”
She added: “I am delighted to be partnering with Shayoni and the Lynn team, who are pioneers in the field of evidence-based communications. Together I believe we can achieve transformative change, which delivers on our purpose, to improve and save lives across the world.”
Principality Building Society
Principality Building Society has appointed Shimi Shah as non-executive director to its board.
An experienced financial leader, Ms Shah has chaired and served on a large number of boards in diverse industry sectors including The Royal Mint. She is also chairperson at Carousel Solutions Groups.
Principality chair Sally Jones-Evans said: “Shimi has outstanding experience and is an exciting addition to the board of Principality. As we look to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation, Shimi brings a wealth of expertise in this area.”
The mutual has also appointed Rajeev Marwaha as chief risk officer. A former CRO at Saffron Building Society, Mr Marwaha, has a well-established career in finance, including risk roles at Nationwide and Santander. He was recently the CRO of credit card fintech group, Tymit.
Design Commission for Wales
The Design Commission for Wales has appointed Jen Heal as its deputy chief executive. A chartered town planner with a background in planning and urban design, Ms Heal first joined the commission in 2014 leading a range of urban design, planning and regeneration projects for public, private and third sector clients.
In her new role, Ms Heal will lead the placemaking agenda for the Design Commission, advising on policy and leading the development of the placemaking Wales charter and guidance.
Caulmert
Caulmert, an engineering, environmental and planning consultancy, which has an office in Bangor has taken on two graduates ahead of its growth plans for the next 12 months.
Sioned Jones has been appointed as an environmental scientist while Ehsan
Bastani has been appointed civil engineer.
Ms Jones, who completed a master’s degree at Bangor University,
was appointed after completing a work placement with Caulmert.
Managing director Mike Caulfield said: “Investing in graduate careers
provides Caulmert with fresh perspectives, which in turn diversifies our teams and strengthens our offering as a consultancy.”