Cyngor Gwynedd appoints new Corporate Director

Cyngor Gwynedd has appointed Catrin Thomas to the role of Corporate Director, joining the authority's Senior Management Team.

The Corporate Directors deputise and support the Chief Executive and Catrin Thomas succeeds Geraint Owen, who has retired after 41 years of service to Cyngor Gwynedd and the former Gwynedd County Council.

Catrin grew up in Llanrug, and after a period away from Gwynedd she has now settled back here – to raise a family and to be close to loved ones and friends; and to enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture of Gwynedd.

Catrin joins the Council from Adra housing association, where she is Head of Customer Services. Catrin has previously worked in several departments at Cyngor Gwynedd over a 20-year period.

On her appointment, she noted: “It is a privilege to be appointed to this position and I look forward to working with the Council's dedicated teams and the Council's various partners, to provide the highest quality services to residents and local communities.”

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd said: “Many congratulations to Catrin on her appointment. Having had the opportunity to work closely with her during her previous tenure at the Council, I know from experience how enthusiastic and passionate she is about her work. It is always a pleasure to work with Catrin, and I am really looking forward to the next chapter for Cyngor Gwynedd. Her recent experience of working for the Adra housing association will also bring a different perspective to the Council.

“The Council is committed to encouraging more diversity in management and leadership roles within the organisation, and Catrin's appointment is a positive step as we try to inspire more women to consider a career in public leadership.

“I wish to thank Geraint from the bottom of my heart for the decades of valuable service he has given to local government. I wish him every happiness in his retirement, hoping that he will have the well-deserved opportunity to enjoy time with his family and to relax.”

Dafydd Gibbard, Chief Executive of Cyngor Gwynedd said: “I was very pleased to hear the news that the Council's Chief Officer Appointments Committee has appointed Catrin Thomas to the position of Director, following Geraint Owen’s retirement.

“Catrin is already familiar to many of us here at Cyngor Gwynedd, and it is always great to see former members of staff returning to the authority with valuable experiences from other organisations.

"I would like to take the opportunity to wish Geraint Owen well on his retirement and thank him for 41 years of dedicated service to Cyngor Gwynedd, and formerly Gwynedd County Council. Geraint's contribution, commitment and experience over the years have been invaluable.”