Disability Sport Wales is very pleased to announce the appointment of Gareth Thomas to the role of Chair to the organisation’s non-Executive Board. Gareth was appointed in February and chairs his first Board meeting this evening. He comes to DSW with huge experience of Change and Transformation, currently Director of People and Organisational Development at Brandon Trust (a not for profit organisation supporting people with learning disabilities), he was formerly HR Director with Arriva Trains Wales. His passion for people, commitment to strong leadership, broad ranging knowledge of the commercial sector, and expertise with organisational and operational strategy are all qualities which will make him a great Chair for DSW during a time of landscape and cultural change.
New Independent Chair Gareth Thomas said, “Having been a sponsor of DSW whilst at Arriva, I am proud and excited to be given the chance to support the organisation more directly. Delivering an exciting new strategy and being part of a new chapter for DSW makes me immensely proud and I look forward to working with the team to foster inclusivity and accessibility for physical activity throughout Wales.”
“I am delighted to welcome Gareth to DSW as our new Chair” said Fiona Reid, CEO for Disability Sport Wales, “his wealth of experience and person-centeredness will be a great asset to DSW and our Board. I am really excited to be working with him as we move forwards towards the launch of a new Strategy, he has already had a great impact and the journey ahead is going to be incredibly positive.”
Gareth takes over the role from Neil Ashbridge who was nominated by Board to become Interim Chair from his Vice Chair role 18 months ago. DSW staff and board wish to thank Neil for his guidance during this time, and look forward to him continuing in his Vice Chair role until the end of his initial six-year term.
Gareth will serve an initial four-year term, with the opportunity to stand for an additional four-year term. He will lead a board of ten directors, some of whom are nominated by the membership organisations who represent some of the lead sensory, physical and intellectual disability sport groups in Wales, and some who are elected as independents based on their personal and professional skills, knowledge and experience.
