The successful candidates, Aileen Richards and Tim Griffin, join the WRU Board from careers as leading executives for multi-national companies.
Aileen Richards is currently based in the USA as the Executive Vice President and Vice President of People and Organisation for Mars, Incorporated, the global petcare, chocolate, gum and confectionery and drinks business. She grew up outside Cardiff and holds a BSc Honours degree in business studies. She spent her 30-year career at Mars working across the management structure in a number of high profile roles in the UK, Belgium and USA.
Now retiring from her key role on the global leadership team of the thirty five billion dollar turnover company, Aileen is returning to London and this WRU appointment will be a key part of her future. She has a declared passion for Welsh rugby, is a debenture holder at the Millennium Stadium, and has a strong ambition to contribute to life in Wales.
Tim Griffin is chief executive officer of Dell UK, the global technology leader. His career has spanned senior management roles in a number of major companies including the PricewaterhouseCoopers, NCR, and the BBC. Before taking up his UK role, Griffin worked in Singapore and Australia in a variety of senior positions at Dell.
An MBA alumnus of the University of Wales College, Cardiff; Griffin has roots in Wales and is an avid rugby fan having played No 8 for Newbridge as well as serving as captain of Cross Keys and Monmouthshire U23’s. He also represented Cardiff, Wales and British Universities in the back row.
The new board appointments follow a decision at the last Annual General Meeting of the WRU to introduce a series of changes to the governance of the Union. This followed a review of the WRU’s existing governance structures, led by the eminent High Court Judge, Sir Robert Owen and assisted by a WRU governance steering group.
Aileen Richards and Tim Griffin were selected from a shortlist of individuals identified following an open appointment process.The new directors will add external business expertise combined with a passion for Welsh rugby to the existing 18 strong board of directors which consists of: 14 individuals elected from districts; three national directors and the group chief executive.
WRU Chairman, Gareth Davies, said: “The appointment of Aileen and Tim as independent non-executive directors is a landmark decision in the evolution and modernisation of our governance.
“They are both exceptionally qualified individuals with vast expertise and experience at the highest levels of industry. The appointment of Aileen as the first woman to sit on the Board of the WRU demonstrates that we are determined to modernise and become representative of our supporters in our corporate governance.
“She and Tim will bring a level of debate and insight to our Board deliberations which will help the WRU test all its decisions against the most vigorous commercial and ethical measures.
“We already have an excellent board of individuals who boast a deep understanding of the needs of Welsh rugby but this new dynamic we are now introducing will make us an even stronger collective.”
Aileen Richards said: “I am delighted to be the first woman to be appointed to the Board of the Welsh Rugby Union in its 134 year history. This non-executive role is the perfect conduit to focus my love of rugby, pride in being Welsh and desire to contribute to life in Wales.
“I am committed to making a difference around the Board table and it is equally gratifying to be joining the WRU at this exciting stage of its corporate development.”
Tim Griffin. added, “As a dedicated rugby player and supporter I am delighted and extremely proud to have been appointed as a non-executive director to the board of the Welsh Rugby Union.
“My international career spanning a variety of industries and serving every customer segment affords me the ability to provide insights across a host of challenges and look forward to engaging with my fellow directors as soon as possible.”
