Sketty Hall Business School, part of Gower College Swansea, is proud to announce the expansion of its Advisory Board with the addition of six dynamic new members:
Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of The Celtic Freeport, a project which covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering and the steel industry across south-west Wales.
Russell Greenslade, CBI Director of Wales, joins following the transition of Ian Price, former CBI Director of Wales to become the College’s Corporation Board Chair
Andrew Walker, Development Director at Resource Limited, which provides high-level commercial and management support to an ever-expanding number of partner companies
Elliott James, former College alumni and Head of Talent Development at Pobl Group, the largest social landlord in Wales
Rachael Flanagan, former College alumni and founder/CEO of Mrs?Buckét, a multi award-winning cleaning company and
Natasha Fulford, Managing Director at reTHINK, one of Wales’ longest established integrated PR and marketing agencies.
These six new appointments bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience to the Board, which plays a vital role in guiding the Business School’s strategic direction and ensuring its curriculum remains aligned with the evolving needs of employers across the region.
Paul Kift, Vice Principal of Skills and Partnerships at Gower College Swansea, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Luciana, Russell, Andrew, Elliott, Rachael and Natasha to the Advisory Board. Their insights and expertise will be invaluable as we look ahead to the next few years, particularly in addressing skills gaps, supporting economic growth and ensuring our learners are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
The Advisory Board continues to support the Business School’s ambition to deliver an employer-led curriculum that reflects regional priorities and drives economic growth. Their insight and guidance have directly contributed to new curriculum development and successful funding bids, including those through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme.
Michael Kavanagh, Commercial Manager at Concrete Structures and Floors, and Chair of the Advisory Board, added:
“The strength of our Board lies in its diversity and depth of experience. With these new members on board, we’re even better placed to respond to the fast-changing needs of businesses and to help shape a future-ready workforce for south Wales.”
Sketty Hall Business School remains committed to enhancing collaboration between education and industry, creating a pipeline of talent, innovation, and leadership that will drive the region forward. Most recently, as part of its masterclass series, the School welcomed former international rugby player and broadcaster Jonathan Davies OBE to gain insight into how the disciplines of sport can directly inform and enhance strategic decision making, team dynamics, and organisational culture.
ENDS
About Sketty Hall Business School
In 2022, with the support of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, Sketty Hall was transformed into a hub of innovation, leadership and professional development. The Advisory Board is central to this mission, bringing together leaders from across industry, education, and the public sector to help shape the skills agenda for south Wales and beyond.
Members of the Advisory Board are as follows:
Alison Orrells: The Safety Letterbox Company, CEO and Managing Director and CBI Wales Chair
Andrew Walker: Resource Limited, Development Director
Chris Foxall: Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, CEO
Deb Bowen-Rees: Non Exec Director – Dwr Cymru, Independent Non Exec Director – Airport Cood Ltd, Non Exec Director – Port of Milford Haven
Elliot James: Pobl, Head of Talent Development
Gareth Hopkins: Vodafone, Head of UK Professional Services
Ioan Jenkins: Tidal Range Alliance, Chair
Louise Harris: Tramshed Tech, CEO and Founder
Luciana Ciubotariu: Celtic Freeport, CEO
Lucy Cohen: Mazuma, Co-Founder
Lucy Hole: Secret Hospitality Group, Director
Michael Kavanagh (Chair): Concrete Structures and Floors, Commercial Manager
Natasha Fulford: reTHINK, Managing Director
Rachael Flanagan: Mrs Bucket, CEO
Rhodri Jones: Swansea Council, Head of Achievement and Partnership Service
Russell Greenslade: CBI Wales, Wales Director
Ryan Hole: Secret Hospitality Group, Managing Director
