Cardiff Blues have continued to modernise their board with the appointment of Andrew Williams as a Non-Executive Director.
Williams, who grew up in Cardiff and attended Llanishen High School, is one of the longest-serving and most successful CEOs in the FTSE 100. He has led Halma PLC, whom he joined in 1994, for the last 15 years and has grown the business’ valuation from £600m to £7bn.
The 52-year-old is the latest addition to the Cardiff Blues board in recent days with GoCompare founder Hayley Parsons OBE also joining as a Non-Executive Director.
Cardiff Blues chairman Alun Jones said: “Bringing Andrew on board as a Non-Executive Director is another really big acquisition for the company.
“He will provide big hitting business experience to the board and has a hugely impressive track record. Andrew will be a major contributor to creating, and delivering upon, all of our business objectives.
“He is also a long-standing supporter, who is passionate about Cardiff Blues and is determined to see us fulfil our vast potential with sustained success.”
Halma PLC is a global group of technology companies which provide innovative solutions to many of the key safety, health and environmental problems facing the world today. Williams has built Halma’s strong track record through growing and acquiring companies globally and has also been a Non-Executive Director of Capita PLC since 2015, supporting its evolving turnaround.
He grew up supporting Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues with his family, some of whom remain regulars at the Arms Park. Williams points to the Amlin Challenge Cup final in Marseille as a particular highlight of his time following the Blues.
Williams said: “I have supported Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues for as long as I can remember, beginning with my father taking us as children, and was a season ticket holder in the old north enclosure for the best part of 30 years, before I had to move away from Cardiff for work reasons.
“I have followed the team through the good times and bad times, and, like all supporters, I want us to be back competing at the top end of all competitions on a sustainable basis.
“I’m determined to do what I can on the business side of things to improve Cardiff Blues and deliver success, which is vital if we are to build a stronger platform for the whole of Welsh rugby to thrive.
“As businesses are going through change, as the professional game in Wales currently is, it is crucial to agree clear goals supported by understandable and achievable strategy. Getting this right enables everyone involved to work together with a clear idea of what they need to do every day to get there.
“I am looking forward to working with everyone involved with the Blues to develop a sustainable and successful business, which truly harnesses all of the resources available to us, both on and off the field.”