Richard Walker, Managing Director of Deeside-based Iceland Foods, has been named Business in the Community Cymru’s new Prince’s Responsible Business Ambassador for Wales.

The Prince’s Responsible Business Ambassadors are chosen for their leadership in transforming their own businesses and empowering other organisations to take action.  In their role, they promote the responsible business agenda in their country or region, engaging the local business community around key social issues.

Richard is a committed environmentalist who has led all Iceland’s recent sustainability initiatives including its pledge to eliminate plastic packaging from the Iceland own label range by 2023 and to remove palm oil as an ingredient from its own label food by the end of 2018. He is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a member of the DEFRA Council for Sustainable Business, and a regular panellist on BBC1’s Question Time. Outside family and business, his greatest passions are trail running, skiing, surfing and climbing.

Of his appointment, Richard said:

“I am delighted to take on the role of the Prince’s Ambassador in Wales and look forward to taking part in the growing conversation about responsible business and the role of business leaders in positive social change.

“Wales is already leading the way in innovation and sustainability, and there is a huge opportunity for businesses to work with the public and third sectors to find new ways of working, and to champion both climate justice and social justice. Iceland Foods is the largest business headquartered in Wales and we share the conviction of Business in the Community that it is possible to combine purpose and profit. I am looking forward to working alongside other business leaders to pursue new opportunities that benefit Wales and the wider UK.”

 BITC Cymru director Matt Appleby added:

“Having Richard on board as our new Wales ambassador is ideal. He heads a Wales-based business with over 900 stores across the UK which has an outstanding reputation for ‘doing the right thing’ and shows remarkable commitment to responsible business. It’s a pleasure to have him speak on our behalf”.

Richard Walker takes over the Wales ambassador role form Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, who held the position for three years.