WIREDGOV

Neil Ashbridge and Mark Rhydderch-Roberts - who have extensive knowledge and experience of national and international banking and investment markets - have been appointed by Economy Minister Edwina Hart to the Welsh Industrial Advisory Board (WIDAB).

WIDAB advises Ministers on a range of issues relating to the Welsh economy, including assistance to industry and, through the provision of its advice, contributes towards the achievement of the Welsh Government’s policy objectives in the field of economic development.

The term of the appointments is for three years and they will join Kerry Diamond, WIDAB Chair and members Alan Proctor, Michael MacPhail, Mike Greenway OBE , Dr Jo MacPherson and Dr Rhian Hayward

Welcoming the appointments the Minister said:

“WIDAB plays a very important role providing expert advice to the Welsh Government and I am pleased that Neil Ashbridge and Mark Rhydderch-Roberts have agreed to serve on the Board. They will make a valuable contribution to the Board through their considerable experience and expertise of the financial sector.”

Neil Ashbridge’s career was spent with the Bank of England where he undertook a range of positions in the City and Liverpool before being appointed the Agent for Wales in 2009, a post he held until his retirement in June this year.

The Bank has twelve Agents based around the UK. Their primary role is to assess economic and financial conditions affecting businesses in their area.

Mr. Ashbridge, who lives in Wrexham, is a Board member of Glyndwr University and Cartrefi Conwy and Vice Chairman of Disability Sport Wales. He is currently Executive Advisory Board Member of Hope University Business School, Committee Member of Oxford University Business Economics Programme, Committee member of Liverpool Cathedral Finance Committee and Advisory Board member of the University of Liverpool Management School.

Crickhowell born Mark Rhydderch-Roberts's career in investment banking spans 28 years, during which time he held senior positions with a number of global investment banks including Managing Director of Swiss Re (Fox Pitt- Kelton) and Bear Stearns (Europe). Other positions held include Executive Director, UBS Warburg, Schroders plc, and Societe Generale.

During his career he had the distinction of being ranked Number One in the annual Extel survey in the European financial analyst and specialist sales categories.

A former first class rugby player with Bath, Pontypridd, Newport and Ebbw Vale, Mr. Rhydderch-Roberts retired from investment banking in 2012. He is now a partner in a family property company, a consultant to Cynosure Inc., a NASDAQ quoted industrial laser manufacturer and a member of the Development Bank for Wales Advisory Panel.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the OCPA Code of Practice for Ministerial appointments to Public Bodies.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published.  Mark Rhydderch-Roberts declared that he held a position of Treasurer at the Brecon & Radnor Conservative Association.