Dr Rhian Hayward MBE
Biography
Rhian is the first Chief Executive Officer of AberInnovation and has overseen the development of the £40.5m UK Research & Innovation Campus at Aberystwyth University. Previously, Rhian worked in the commercialisation of life science technologies in both the private and public sectors, founding a consultancy business, holding marketing and business development roles in biotechnology companies and leading technology transfer within the Higher Education sector.
Rhian has held various public appointments for the Welsh Government including membership of the Welsh Industrial Development Board and the Food & Drink Industry Board. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and currently serves as a Board member for the Food Standards Agency which includes chairing the Welsh Food Advisory Committee.
Rhian holds a DPhil in infectious disease epidemiology from the University of Oxford and a first-class BSc from King’s College London. In 2016, she was awarded an MBE for services to Entrepreneurship in Wales.
Non-Executive Director for the Wales Office
As a member of the Wales Office Departmental Board, Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and Outcome Delivery Plan (ODP) Implementation Committee, the Non-Executive Director supports the Lead Non-Executive in ensuring the effective and successful governance of the Department by:
- Ensuring the Departmental Board and ARAC define the vision, values, culture and strategy of the organisation and set a high standard for ethics and responsible conduct of public business.
- Ensuring the Departmental Board and ARAC maintain appropriate governance and internal controls, including ensuring sound financial, risk and performance management regimes are in place and the Department has the capacity to deliver.
- Actively challenging the Board on key issues including the Business Plan and Strategic Risks.
- Monitoring the delivery of the Department’s ODP through being a member of the ODP Implementation Committee.
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Ensuring the Department’s Senior Management Team is subjected to constructive challenge in respect of the performance of the organisation; and
- Providing counsel, advice, and support to the Secretary of State for Wales and the executive team, acting as a sounding board and “critical friend” where necessary.