Debra Bowen Rees, former Chief Executive of Cardiff Airport has been named as the new regional Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in South West Wales. She is joined by HR Director  Gareth Jarman as Chair of the IoD’s Mid Wales branch.

Debra Bowen Rees has 35 years of experience within the armed forces, transport and utilities. She was a Director of Cardiff Airport for eight years from 2012 and currently holds non-executive Director positions with Milford Haven Port Authority and Dwr Cymru.

Gareth Jarman Is an internationally experienced HR Director and Consultant. He was previously Head of HR for General Dynamics and Director of International HR Advisory for Radius Worldwide (acquired by Vistra). He is now the Founder and Director of Gentium International, a growing international HR Consultancy.

Chair of the IoD in Wales, Richard Selby announced a new regional structure for the IoD in January 2021 when Damian Bridgeman was named as Chair of the newly formed South Wales branch and David Roberts as Chair of the new North Wales regional branch. Debra Bowen Rees and Gareth Jarman will now work with Damian Bridgeman and David Roberts to promote the work of the IoD throughout Wales.

Founded in 1903, the Institute of Directors (IoD) obtained a Royal Charter in 1906 and now has approximately 25,000 members including CEOs of large corporations as well as entrepreneurial directors of start-up companies. Membership includes directors from right across the business spectrum – from media to manufacturing, professional services to the public and voluntary sectors.

Richard Selby, Chair of the IoD in Wales commented:

“Both Debra and Gareth bring extensive experience of working at a Director level; leading sustainable, inclusive and connected organisations with good governance at the very heart of decision-making and operational management.

“With the support of Robert Lloyd Griffiths as our National Director and the excellent team at IoD Wales, our new regional structure is already making a difference at a local and regional level which is particularly pleasing as we begin the process of rebuilding our economy.”

Debra Bowen Rees said:

“As the UK’s leading voice for Directors, the IoD campaigns for what matters to business leaders. From trade and skills to corporate governance, the IoD gets right to the heart of what matters and I’m delighted to be joining the team.”

Gareth Jarman added:

“Like Debra, I am really excited to be working with the IoD team with a focus on local needs. Our remit is to connect, develop and influence; helping to promote responsible business practice and encouraging entrepreneurial activity across the region as we begin to recover from the pandemic.”