Industry Wales, which supports tech and manufacturing firms to expand, has a new chair.
The appointment of Professor Keith Ridgway, who had been acting in an interim chair role at the Welsh Government’s at arm’s length body since September 2020, has been confirmed by Economy Minister Vaughan Gething.
Industry Wales will support thye Welsh Government’s programme for government, and drive its activities in relation to manufacturing, skills, decarbonisation, automation, and localising supply chain opportunities to improve local economic activity
Professor Ridgway, who will take up the role next month, will serving for a three-year term. The role is remunerated at £337 per day based on a time commitment of up to 24 days per annum.
Mr Gething said: “I am confident that under Professor Ridgway’s leadership, Industry Wales will continue to play a key role in supporting the future development of the manufacturing sector in Wales.
“The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Welsh industry can capitalise on the enormous opportunities that come from industrial decarbonisation.
“As a leading nation for developing next generation technologies, Wales is at the forefront of nurturing the new industries of the future. By ensuring we have the skilled workforce we need, we will be in a prime position to create the new green jobs of the future, which will help us further develop the Welsh economy for the benefit of people across Wales.”
Professor Ridgway “I am very pleased and proud to accept this appointment. I have enjoyed working as interim chair of Industry Wales and look forward to working with the Minister and the team in the future. It is an exciting time with both challenges and great opportunities for industry in Wales.”
