The Board of Governors

Member of: Remuneration Committee, and Strategic Planning & Performance Committee

John began his career in HR before going on to lead companies in the employment, training, economic development sectors. His leaderships roles include work at the Training and Enterprise Council (South East Wales), the Development Board for Rural Wales, and as Chief Executive of ACAS.

Also having experience as a Non-Executive Director for a range of private, public and not-for-profit organisations, and with a passion for employment, education, and organisational development, John shared his passion further having been on the Board of the University of West London for nine years, as well as the University of Reading and Cardiff and Vale College.

John was appointed Chair from 1 August 2021 and said "The resilience and innovation shown by staff and students at Cardiff Metropolitan during these unprecedented times is nothing short of remarkable and I am looking forward to working with the Vice-Chancellor and her Executive Team as we begin to emerge from the pandemic and face the challenges of a post -Covid world."

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• CBE in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours
• Doctorate of Literature (University of West London)
• Chartered Manager and Companion

Member of: Audit Committee

As Managing Partner of Hugh James from 1999 to 2011 and Chief Executive of Hugh James Involegal LLP from 2011 to the present day, Matthew has had a notable legal career, building up a significant client base, and transforming the business to become more digital. Establishing a Hugh James Training Academy, Matthew has developed relationships with various educational institutions in city to provide bespoke training.

Recently appointed to the Cardiff Capital Region Business Council Board, Matthew will represent the business interests of the city whilst the region is being developed.

Matthew likes to achieve consensus where possible, and his legal background will be of significant value as a governor at Cardiff Met.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• LLB Law (UWIST Cardiff)
• Dreams and Wishes Ambassador and Governance Advisor

Peter was born in Cardiff and his early years were spent in Caerphilly. His family moved to Penarth in the 1970s where he went to School then onto an apprenticeship in the motor vehicle sector. He served in the Royal Air Force from 1984 as an Aircraft Technician for 9 years, joining the Civil Service to train Civ​ilian Apprentices upon his discharge

During his initial years with the Civil Service he returned to his studies, on a part time basis, culminating with an MA Ed from The University of Wales. This was key in Peter's move into the field of Human Resources and appointment to the Senior Civil Service.

Peter has 10 Years Executive experience at Borad level within a Trading Fund Agency of the Ministry of Defence and 20 years with the Welsh Government. He is currently a Non-Executive Member of the Church in Wales Representative Body and Chairs its Human Resources Committee.

The areas where Peter may be able to help and provide advice are primarily around HR and Estates the changing workplace, and linkages with the UK Government and Devolved Administrations.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• MA Ed (University of Wales)
• ​Chartered Fellow of the CIPD

Member of: Audit Committee

Menai has a portfolio career and is an award winning Chief Executive, Non-Executive Director, and Independent Adviser.

She has thirteen years’ experience as a Chief Executive in the voluntary sector and is currently Chief Executive of LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. Prior to this Menai was Chief Executive of a UK-wide award winning charity, The Pituitary Foundation.

Menai is an Independent Adviser to the Senedd Cymru Commission, Trustee of Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), Chair of the Social Leaders Cymru Project Advisory Group and an Ambassador for IoD Wales. Previously she has been a Trustee of charities including the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), Race Council Cymru and Daring to Dream and contributed in an advisory capacity to organisations such as Samaritans Cymru.

Menai has more than 20 years of experience across many disciplines, organisations and sectors and has her own consultancy company. She is a fluent Welsh speaker, an advocate for inclusive leadership and has lived experience of being part of a minoritised community (LGBTQ+).

Holding the belief that higher education makes a fundamentally important difference to individuals, the economy and society, and committed to our values and purpose, Menai is a passionate member of the Board since 2020.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Welsh Government and Politics (2024)
• Chartered Director (2020)
• LLB Law Degree (2003)
• Named in the WalesOnline Pinc List – Wales’ most influential LGBTQ+ people (2024)
• IoD Wales Director of the Year – Public and Third Sector Award Winner (2024)
• Black History Wales Community Award Winner (2023)
• CEO Today UK Award Winner (2021 and 2019)
• CEO Today Global Award Winner (2019)
• Fellow of the Institute of Directors
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA)
• Fellow of the Institute of Welsh Affairs

Member of: Audit Committee

Scott spent most of his career in the hospitality sector, working with businesses such as Bass, Carlsberg, and Century Inns, as well as being the Chief Executive of SA Brain for 17 years, overseeing huge change for the business.

Scott has also sat on various boards, in the past being Chair of CBI for Wales; Wales Commissioner to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills; and has been part of the British Beer & Pub Association.

Having a diverse level of high-profile roles, Scott offers broad and practical knowledge as an Governor.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• Economics and Accounting (Reading University)
• Chair of Cardiff Business Club
• Chair of Transport for Wales

Member of: Resources Committee, and Governance & Nominations Committee

David is currently a Director of Airbus Endeavr and an owner of an international freight services business, and also brings a background in both the private and public sector, software, and management consultancy. 

Whilst in the public sector, David has been in a variety of senior positions within the Welsh Government, as well as creating and leading Digital Wales and then finding and serving as CEO of Innovation Point.

Impressed by Cardiff Met's strength of purpose and potential, David contributes his knowledge and skills as governor, towards our ambitious goals in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• Board member of Hafod
• Representative of the Welsh Government's interests in the Alacrity Foundation

Member of: Strategic Planning & Performance Committee

A Senior Management Consultant at Accenture since 2012, Roisin provides strategic direction to c-suites, and will often focus on difficult programmes of work including digital transformation or inclusion, diversity, and behavioural measures to improve and make an organisation more impactful.

Passionate about getting more women into in tech, Roisin regularly speaks at events and schools to advocate the area.

Rosin is eager to lend her expertise as a governor, feeling the vision and values of CMU resonate with her. Roisin finds enjoyment in helping others and supporting the next generation to drive a sustainable economy.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• BSc Economics & European Politics (University of Birmingham)
• Part of PICTFOR (The Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum) via DevelopHer
• We are the City Tech Women Top 50 Women winner 2017

Karen has a wealth of experience in public sector, currently working at Lewisham Council as Interim Head of Economy and Partnerships, as well as holding previous experience at Croydon Council and past roles such as a governor at a primary school and on business improvement district boards.

With a wealth of experience in community and supporting the local population, Karen has worked with a variety of bodies to innovate and develop city regions. Karen is particularly interested in Cardiff Met's focus on enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, feeling her own passions and interests would be used well as a governor.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition: 

• BSc Business Economics (Cardiff University)
• Prosperity through Partnership Award winner 2020

Member of: Governance & Nominations Committee, and Strategic Planning & Performance Committee

Paul is currently the Chief Executive of Monmouthshire County Council, where he has been for over 10 years. However, Paul's public sector experience doesn't stop there, he's also Innovation and Business Engagement lead for the Cardiff Capital Region, Solace Wales lead for Economy and Digital, and a Board Member of SRS (wales), you can also see more below.

As well as offering his advice and knowledge in the boardroom, Paul also teaches as a visiting Professor at Cardiff University.

Paul brings a breadth of experience in in a variety of settings, from educational to entrepreneurial to public sector. 

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition: 

• Clerk to the Lord Lieutenancy of Gwent 
• Member of Wales Government Brexit Advisory Panel 
• Member of Wales Government Digital Advisory Panel 
• Chair of the Monmouthshire Public Service Board

Member of: Remuneration Committee

With experience in the UK and overseas, Chris has developed a significant skillset in HR within ExxonMobil, Shell, and E.on-Npower. Leading in change within culture and behaviour, Chris has built relationships on trust and credibility throughout the organisations he's been part of.

Chris has had a number of NED and Executive roles, notably he is currently Chair of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body and Chief HR and People Officer at E.on-Npower.

Chris is keen to be part of a board in a sector that is important to him, hoping to bring his experience in commercial organisations with a focus on HR and change.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• MA Organisation Behaviour and Analytics (Lancaster University)
• Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management (Cardiff University)
• BA Politics (University of Exeter)

BA MA (Oxon), PhD

Professor Rachael Langford is our current President & Vice-Chancellor as well as being a Professor of French Cultural Studies.

Read more about Professor Langford.

Member of: Governance & Nominations Committee

Charlie joined the University back in 2003 and currently works as Lead Technician Demonstrator: Undergraduate Studies and Digital in Cardiff School of Art & Design. Her background is in Architecture and spatial design, and she is interested in developing approaches to teaching within technical practice. 

Alongside working here at the University, Charlie is a Cardiff Met Unison steward, and joins the Board of Governors as Professional Services Representative. Charlie has also been involved in live music, comedy and arts events.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• BSc (Hons) Architecture (Cardiff University, 2003)
• PGCtHE (Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2016)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Clare joins the ​Board as a representative of the academic staff at the University.

Dr Cathryn Elizabeth Withycombe BSc (Hons), PhD, PGCTHE, FHEA

Cathryn came to Cardiff Metropolitan University (formally University of Wales Institute Cardiff) in 2001 to undertake the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme, following this she completed her PhD where she investigated the immunomodulatory properties of an organic extract of Manuka honey in vitro. This research predominately involved working with the human cell lines looking at both immunomodulation and molecular regulation of anti and pro-inflammatory markers using organic components from Manuka Honey. Since completion Cathryn has continued to undertake her research looking into the potential benefits nutraceuticals possess in relation to disease management. Cathryn became an academic at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2012, in 2016 took on the role of programme director for BSc Biomedical Science (Health, Exercise & Nutrition) and 2022 became the Principal Lecturer for Employability for Health CSSHS. In 2014 Cathryn was awarded the Student Led Teaching Fellowship for Cardiff School of Health Sciences.

Memberships, qualifications, and recognition:

• PGcTHE – Post graduate certificate in higher education - University of Wales Cardiff (Cardiff Metropolitan University) 2013
• PhD – Immunomodulatory effect of an organic extract of manuka honey – University of Wales Cardiff (Cardiff Metropolitan University) 2011
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Cardiff Metropolitan University) 2005
• Nominated Academic Representative for Cardiff Metropolitan University Academic Board.
• Chair of the Shape your Future committee. Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Dr Withycombe was awarded the 2014 Student–Led Teaching Fellowship for Cardiff School of Health Sciences.

Dan Flaherty is the 2024-25 Cardiff Met SU president, having joined the university in 2022 to study Business (finance) MBA.

Dan represented the Men’s basketball club for the past two seasons, taking part in the promotion campaign for both the BUCS Men’s 1st team into the Premier Division and the National League Men's side.

As an international student having spent a significant amount of time on both Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses, Dan has developed a comprehensive perspective on the student experience at Cardiff Met. Dan plans to leverage this stance by promoting change on both campuses led by the collective student voice and is passionate and promoting opportunities for all students, despite their varying interests and priorities.

His key initiatives are to continue building the budget to adequately support SU Sport teams and SU Societies, ease the financial burden of transportation related expenses, and create additional student spaces on both campuses to enhance the social experience.

Rewathi Viswanatham is an MSc International Business student and the SU Vice President Education for 2024/2025 at Cardiff Met. Having been re-elected after serving as Vice President in 2023/2024, Rewathi is honoured to continue representing the student body.

Her primary focus is ensuring that all Cardiff Met students are heard and their needs are met. During her first term, she actively worked on initiat​ives in areas such as academic concerns, student activities, transport, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, housing, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis.

In her current role as an Education Officer, she remains dedicated to building on these efforts, collaborating with student representatives, participating in key committees, and driving initiatives that enhance the student experience. She is also committed to empowering students, ensuring their time at Cardiff Met is both fulfilling and impactful.

Member of: Audit Committee

Lisa is currently Director of Finance and Corporate Services at the Education and Workforce Council, where she is responsible for a range of financial matters, including audit, as well as HR and other areas. Having previously worked in leading roles at the Office of National Statistics, RSM Tenon, and EY, Lisa has an in-depth knowledge in the financial field.

With significant experience in finance and audit, Lisa is a valuable member of the Audit Committee.