The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning has appointed 5 new Members to the Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board (WIDAB). Beginning in November 2025, the appointments will run for a period of 3 years.
Originally established under the Welsh Development Agency Act 1975, WIDAB provides advice to the Cabinet Secretary on issues relating to the Welsh Economy and assists the Welsh Government in its ambition to drive sustainable and inclusive growth across the regions of Wales through the Economic Action Plan. Central to WIDAB’s role is providing advice on individual projects requesting support of over £1 million from the relevant schemes within the Economy Futures Fund.
The newly appointed Members are:
Karen Cherrett
Karen Cherrett started her career in operational policing before moving to the world of facilities and programme management. As a Soft Services Director, Karen led negotiation and delivery of multi-million-pound contracts with local authorities before becoming a Managing Consultant for a global advisory firm. On moving back to Wales, Karen established her own consultancy business whilst supporting public facing opportunities such as being a member of the Welsh Government Digital Review Panel and Chair of Innovation Advisory Council Wales. Karen is now an active retiree continuing to use her skills with non-executive director roles at two local charities and one national charity, as well as being a student mentor for graduates and post-graduates and a small business mentor with Business Wales. Karen is passionate about helping people and businesses reach their full potential by pragmatically addressing the issues that hold them back.
Nicola Berry
Nicola Berry is General Counsel for A-Lab Solutions Limited, a start-up venture working to streamline anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer checks for client on-boarding. She was previously Senior Director in the Legal and Business Affairs function of Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited, which operates the PlayStation business in Europe. She has non-executive experience, serving as a trustee for both the London Gay Men’s Chorus and the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.
Iwan Trefor Jones
Iwan Trefor Jones is the Chief Executive of Adra, a housing association in North Wales, employing over 400 staff and responsible for providing accommodation for 18,000 people in more than 7,500 social and affordable homes across the region. Before joining Adra, Iwan was a Corporate Director at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, providing strategic leadership for several services including economic development, planning and regeneration. Iwan was also the Lead Director for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, leading on the successful Growth Plan for North Wales bid, working closely with the private sector across the region. Iwan is also the Chair of Gafael Llaw, a charity which supports children and young people who suffer from cancer. Iwan brings a wealth of private and public sector experience and skills and a passion for community well-being and promoting and enhancing the Welsh language.
Clive Glover
Clive Glover is currently Vice President/General Manager of Pall Medical. Clive brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation in life sciences, particularly in genomic medicine and advanced therapeutic technologies. Holding a PhD in Genetics from the University of British Columbia and a BSc in Physics from McGill University, Clive has spent his career driving progress in the life science industry. His leadership roles include heading the Genomic Medicine organisation at Pall Corporation, where he shaped Danaher’s genomic medicine strategy and led key acquisitions such as Precision Nanosystems and CEVEC. Prior to this, he managed cell therapy product portfolios at GE Healthcare Life Sciences and STEMCELL Technologies. Clive combines scientific insight with business acumen, allowing him to lead the development and commercialization of innovative medical solutions, fostering collaborations, and delivering technologies that improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Gus Williams
Gus Williams is CEO of Bevan Buckland, a UK Top 100 independent accounting and audit firm based in Wales, and is also CEO of Chambers Wales, part of the British Chamber of Commerce network and a not for profit membership organisation supporting businesses and other bodies in both the private and public sector across south Wales. The mission of the Chambers is to support the economic and social development of the region. Gus also has a background in international banking with experience in business development, international investment, global regulation and risk management.
The Chair of the board Owen Derbyshire, who was newly appointed to the role for a 3 year term in July 2025, will lead the proceedings of board meetings and help fellow board members to reach a consensus so that suitable recommendations can be made to the Cabinet Secretary.
The newly appointed Members will join Owen, as well as Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, who was reappointed for a further 3 year term in October 2025 and Trefor Owen, who has been a Member of the Board since June 2023.
The current level of remuneration as Member is £198 per day, for an average commitment of one day a month. Meetings are held on a monthly basis.
These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The Members have not declared any political activity in the last five years.