Richard Collier-Keywood becomes Welsh Rugby Union's first independent chair
- Published
Richard Collier-Keywood (C) takes over the WRU chair from Ieuan Evans (L) while Alison Thorne also joins the board
Richard Collier-Keywood will become the first independent chair of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) this month.
He will take over from Ieuan Evans who will stand down from the board on 17 July having pushed through reforms.
Collier-Keywood is a barrister and former senior adviser to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
He will be joined on the WRU board by Alison Thorne who has also been appointed as an independent non-executive director (INED).
The appointments are part of modernisation proposals that were passed overwhelmingly at the WRU's extraordinary general meeting in March, which included a commitment that at least five members of the 12-person board should be women.
Evans said: "This new chair appointment is a trigger for everything else that we have been campaigning for in terms of modernising the Welsh Rugby Union and so, despite the fact that it means stepping down myself, I am delighted to be handing over.
"This is a critical moment. When member clubs voted through these changes, they gave their board a mandate to realise the true potential of Welsh rugby and build a team of directors fit to take our professional and community game to the next level."
Collier-Keywood, whose mother grew up in Maesteg in south Wales, becomes the first appointed - rather than elected - chair in WRU history.
"I'm absolutely delighted to accept the role as chair of the WRU. Welsh rugby has always been hugely emotional for me and it is such a strength that there are millions of us that care and feel the same way," said Collier-Keywood, a former global vice-chairman of financial services firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).
"The hard work of Ieuan Evans and (interim WRU chief executive) Nigel Walker over the last few months has meant that we have a solid platform to take forward."
Collier-Keywood will lead the process of appointing a permanent WRU chief executive - the role filled by Walker since the resignation of Steve Phillips following allegations of misogyny, sexism and racism within Welsh rugby's governing body.
Walker has applied to become the permanent WRU chief executive, while the organisation has one further vacant INED spot to fill following the appointment of Thorne.
Thorne, who was shortlisted for the chair post, is chair of National Dance Company Wales.
She also holds the chair of Barcud Housing Association and non-executive roles as a board member at Sport Wales, governor of Cardiff Metropolitan University and independent panel member for public appointments for Welsh Government.
She said it was an "exciting time" for the game in Wales.
"Change has been necessary and, perhaps, overdue. This commitment will enable the game to become truly inclusive and successful as we all work together towards that aim," she added.
"It will be incumbent upon myself and colleagues to ensure progress continues to be made... Welsh rugby has been the pride of Wales and it will be a privilege to be a part of rebuilding and developing that pride and passion."