Cardiff & Co appoint new Managing Director

After an extensive search recruitment process the new Managing Director of Cardiff & Co was today confirmed as Richard Thomas, currently the director of marketing and communications for the South West England Regional Development Agency (RDA).

Mr Thomas, a Welsh speaker, aged 36 was born and educated in West Wales and has previously worked across South Wales and in Cardiff in a number of roles including director of communications for ELWa. In his current role at the RDA, Mr Thomas leads the promotion of the region to  potential investors and business and leisure visitors via the multi-channel South West England campaign.

Cardiff & Co chairman Bill Savage said, “The Board is very happy to have secured such a strong candidate for our managing director.  Richard has extremely impressive skill sets and valid experience in both the private and the public sector which will serve Cardiff & Co well in the work he will lead the company to achieve.”

Richard Thomas said, “It was always going to take something special to tempt me away from the South West RDA but the MD role at Cardiff & Co is certainly that. It is an absolute privilege to be asked to lead the work of the Cardiff & Co team, especially as there are so many positive messages to convey about the Cardiff city region.”

“I look forward to meeting and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that Cardiff & Co can continue to build the support it needs to successfully position Cardiff as a world city of choice for investors and visitors.  My intention is to build on the success of the company to date, ensuring that we can deliver real and measurable benefits for the Cardiff city region.”

Cardiff & Co were assisted in their search by leading UK executive search firm, Veredus.  Veredus were selected for their strong reputation in public and private sector markets as well as their commitment to Cardiff. Gareth Davies, who led the search, is based in the Cardiff office from which he heads Veredus’ national private sector practice. He said, “As a Cardiff resident I was thrilled that we were able to offer a shortlist of candidates from a very strong selection across the UK. I wish Cardiff & Co and Richard Thomas every success for the future.” 

How this was reported by the Western Mail

25/03/2008