The Port of Milford Haven has welcomed two new non-executive directors to its Board. Debra Williams and Steve Phillips began their tenure on 1st March 2018 after a rigorous selection process.
Debra has wide commercial experience incorporating leadership, e-commerce and mentoring, having held executive and non-executive positions at national companies including the Admiral Group, Tesco Bank and Ospreys Rugby. She currently holds board level positions at Swansea University, Careers Wales, the Alacrity Foundation and international data company DriveRight Ltd. Debra has collected a number of awards throughout her career including Welsh Woman of the Year (Innovation), Life Time Achievement and was recognised as one of the UK’s top 200 business women by Her Majesty The Queen in 2007.
Commenting on her new role, Debra said “I am looking forward to working with the Port of Milford Haven’s Board at a time when so much is happening. The Port already has a long-standing reputation as a major energy port, but the developments at Milford Waterfront and Pembroke Port mark a new and exciting chapter which I am proud to be a part of.”
Group Finance Director at the Welsh Rugby Union, Steve Phillips, will bring 25 years’ of commercial expertise to the role. During his time at the WRU, financial performance has significantly improved and a major capital expenditure programme has been undertaken including a new National Centre of Excellence training facility at the Vale Resort, as well as various upgrades to the Principality Stadium. Steve’s background was previously within the airports industry at TBI plc. where he worked on projects covering Sweden, Costa Rica and the United States. Steve is currently in non-executive director positions at Celtic Rugby Limited, Dragons Rugby Limited and Millennium Stadium Experience Limited.
Steve is delighted to be joining the Board: “The Port is a diverse organisation with activities spanning a number of sectors so I’m sure there will be some very interesting times ahead. I am keen to share my experience and skills with the directors to help move the upcoming developments forward both in the tourism and renewables industries”, he said.
Chris Martin, Chairman at the Port of Milford Haven, has welcomed the new appointments. He commented “These appointments have created a well-rounded board of directors who each bring their own set of skills to the table. Both Debra and Steve have a wealth of experience in advising and leading businesses to success which I have no doubt will be of great value throughout their tenure.”