Institute of Welsh Affairs appoints Financial Times Executive as Development Director

The Institute of Welsh Affairs appoints Rhys David as its new Development Director

The Institute of Wales Affairs has appointed Rhys David, currently Surveys Editor of the Financial Times, to be its first Development Director in an expansion phase of the Institutes activities.

At the IWA Rhys David will work with the Director, John Osmond, to develop the Institutes strategic direction and marketing and fund raising plans.

Mr. David has spent most of his career with the Financial Times, reporting from Belfast and Manchester, before taking up his current position as Surveys Editor, a major part of the FT business. In this capacity he oversaw the development of monthly and quarterly reports on global industrial sectors, such as IT, telecoms, travel, energy, and the automotive industry, as well as sections on key business management issues.

Before joining the FT he spent six years with the Western Mail, as Chief Leader Writer, Industrial Editor and Welsh Affairs Editor. He has also been a member of the editorial advisory board of the New Welsh Review for six years until January this year. IWA Chairman, Geraint Talfan Davies, said: "We are delighted that Rhys David has agreed to take on the role of IWA Development Director. His exceptional knowledge of the world of business and economic development will be a huge asset to the IWA as we shape our plans to expand our research activities.

"The Institute has made a major contribution to debate in Wales on a number of important issues, through a steady stream of reports. This has been achieved by the Director and his team on limited resources. We are now aiming to build the Institutes resources in a way that will allow us to increase our research capacity across a broader front. Rhys Davids appointment will be crucial to the achievement of this aim".

Rhys David said: "The Institute has made an outstanding contribution to the policy debate in Wales. This work has become more important than ever as Wales faces up to the likely impact of a recession in various parts of the world and to increased competition from other parts of Europe. I am delighted to be joining its team in Cardiff and look forward to helping the Institute develop further its role as Wales's leading independent think-tank."

Mr. David leaves the Financial Times at the end of the year and will join the IWA on 1st February.

For further information see www.iwa.org.uk