Bill Savage re-appointed to lead city marketing body

Cardiff & Co has confirmed the re-appointment of Bill Savage as its Chairman for a further 2 years, effective from 5 March.  The appointment was approved by the company’s board following consultation with the company’s shareholders, including the core investor Cardiff Council.

The company charged with promoting the city-region has also appointed Suzi Clay as a Board member.  Suzi Clay is Portfolio Director at Land Securities responsible for several of their major retail assets.  Based in London she takes over the position previously held by Lester Hampson, also of Land Securities. 

Other changes to the company’s board include the departure of Robert John, Chair of Wales in London, due to commitments overseas.  Patrick Duffy, Managing Director of Cardiff Airport and Cardiff & Co board member has been appointed as Chairman of the company’s Finance and General Purposes Committee.

Commenting on his re-appointment as Cardiff & Co Chairman, Bill Savage said, “These are exciting times to be involved in the promotion of the capital city and the wider city-region.  The opportunity for us is to highlight not only the richness and diversity of its offer, but also its competitiveness in terms of both quality and cost efficiency. 

He added, “This will be my second period at the helm of Cardiff & Co and we will be starting the search for my successor in Autumn 2011.  In the meantime, we will be looking at the composition of the Board to ensure that we continue to add the maximum value to the work of the executive, particularly in terms of helping secure additional investment. “

Commenting on the news, David Grant, Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University, one of the six main investors in the company said, “Given that Cardiff & Co has made significant strides over the last couple of years, it is great news that the company will benefit from the continuity which Bill Savage’s reappointment will bring.  We look forward to the company’s continued growth and would urge other businesses and institutions to do what we’re doing and join the coalition being built to promote the Cardiff city-region far and wide.”

Reacting to her appointment to the Board, Suzi Clay of Land Securities said, “I’m looking forward to contributing to the Cardiff & Co board and bringing my knowledge of what’s happening elsewhere in the UK to bear.  The Cardiff city-region has experienced many highs in recent times and I’m determined to play my part in raising the city’s profile even higher."

16/04/10