Four new faces at Design Commission for Wales

The Minister for Natural Resources Carl Sargeant today announced four new appointments to the board of directors of the Design Commission for Wales (DCFW).

A new chair, Gayna Jones and three new board members, Fiona Nixon, Ian Carter and Elinor Gray-Williams, will all take up their roles on 1 April this year.

Established in 2002, the Design Commission for Wales promotes the importance of good design across sectors, collaborating with a range of other bodies to help champion better buildings and spaces, now and for future generations.

The Minister said:

“The Design Commission plays an important role in improving our built environment and I am confident the wide range of skills and experience these new members bring to the board can only be good news for Wales.

“As well as congratulating and welcoming Gayna as new chair, I also wish to extend my thanks to Alan Francis who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment throughout his time as chair.”

Gayna Jones said:

 “I am delighted to have been appointed to the post of chair of the Design Commission for Wales. Having served as a board member for five years I am proud of the work of the organisation and feel privileged to follow in the footsteps of the outgoing chair Alan Francis. Thanks to his stewardship over the past eleven years the Commission is a strong and vibrant organisation well placed to face the challenges of the future. I am excited about working with the excellent staff team and the board to promote the benefits of good design in pursuit of a Wales that is a better place.”

Carole-Anne Davies, Chief Executive of the Design Commission for Wales, said:

“We join Alan and the whole board in extending a warm welcome to Gayna Jones as our new chair, and look forward to benefitting from her enthusiasm for good design along with her experience and expertise, particularly in the housing sector.”

Outgoing chair Alan Francis, said:

“My term of office with the Design Commission for Wales has been an absolute privilege. It has been challenging and exhilarating by turns and I have enjoyed it immensely. I am delighted to hand the baton to Gayna and know that she will take up the Chair with energy and expertise. The next phase for the Design Commission for Wales will be an exciting one and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength.”