GlobalWelsh, Wales’ global diaspora community, has appointed Sara Harper-Holton to the board. A senior HR professional, Sara brings with her 20 years of business and people development experience, and a passion for mentoring talent. Her focus will be to develop GlobalWelsh’s global mentoring programme, GlobalWelsh Academy, and encourage more diverse participation around the world.

Originally from Ystrad Mynach in the Rhymney Valley, Sara now lives in Maidenhead, Berkshire. She currently holds the position of Group Head of Talent & Leadership Development at RB (Reckitt Benckiser), one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies housing brands including; Dettol, Nurofen, Scholl and Harpic. During her impressive two-decade long career outside of Wales, Sara has held senior HR roles at Telefonica, Weight Watchers and Safeway.

This marks the third GlobalWelsh board appointment in less than a year. Jennifer Richards and Ram Morjaria joined the board in July last year to drive the organisation’s plans for facilitating Diaspora Direct Investment opportunities for Wales.

Drawing on her extensive experience nurturing people and business performance, Sara’s focus will be to develop and drive the not-for-profit organisation’s global mentoring programme, GlobalWelsh Academy. The initiative is designed to bring diaspora talent from outside Wales together with people and businesses in Wales. Sara will also be focused on increasing diverse participation in GlobalWelsh’s activities around the world.

Commenting on the new role Sara Harper-Holton said:

“I am really excited to be part of this journey with GlobalWelsh. This is a great opportunity for me to combine my passion for people and business with my passion for Wales and make a difference for future generations.”

On Sara’s appointment, Walter May, GlobalWelsh CEO, said:

“Sara is a great example of someone who’s carved out a successful career outside of Wales and now wants to take that wealth of knowledge and experience back to Wales. Facilitating this type of reconnection is one of the reasons that GlobalWelsh exists! We’re very lucky to have Sara on board and look forward to working with her to reach our goals.”