Change at IAITH’s helm

14 July 2016

After almost 20 years leading IAITH, current CEO, Gareth Ioan, has decided to hand over the baton. Gareth will be leaving his role as Chief Executive at the end of July handing the helm over to Dr Kathryn Jones, IAITH’s current Policy and Research Director, who will assume the role of Managing Director from August.

Gareth presented his twentieth and final annual report to the IAITH AGM on 13th July. “It feels that the winds of change are blowing in many quarters these days”, said Gareth. “After nigh on two decades at the helm it seems timely for me to step aside and let a new pair of hands lead the company into a new and exciting chapter”.

IAITH has been responsible for many key developments in language policy and planning in Wales over the past two decades: from running the Twf project, establishing key education and training opportunities and facilitating Y Gynhadledd Fawr on behalf of the First Minister. “It has been an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and innovative team during a period of such growth for the Welsh language”, said Gareth. “Demand for IAITH’s services are currently on the increase and I’m sure that the company has a bright future. The wealth of experience and expertise accumulated in IAITH over the years is incomparable”.

Although he leaves his current leadership post Gareth won’t be cutting all ties with IAITH or the language policy and planning sector. He will remain an Associate Consultant with IAITH and take a seat on the Board of Trustees. “I’m looking forward to using my experience to continue supporting both old and new clients to develop their bilingual practice and their promotional work for Welsh”, he says. “There won’t be a Grexit. It will be more of a change of role. IAITH has much left to do as it supports the development of an empowered LPP workforce here in Wales.”