Announcing the appointment, Ken Skates said:
“I wanted a leader of outstanding merit to oversee the transformation of our transport network, while holding the executive team at Transport for Wales (TfW) to account and ensuring it makes best use of public money and acts in the public interest.
“TfW’s Board will represent the communities it serves whilst expertly scrutinising and supporting the work of the company. It will ensure decisions are taken in the interest of the passengers and users of the transport networks it manages on our behalf.
“I want the most capable and committed talents to support our vision which sees Transport for Wales enabling a fully integrated transport network, with customers at its core
“I believe that in Scott Waddington I have secured someone of the highest calibre to build on the strong foundations which have already been set for Transport for Wales. With his long and successful career steering an iconic Welsh brand, and his previous commitment to public and collective service through his work with government and industry bodies Scott’s credentials are well matched to the needs of Transport for Wales.
“Scott’s excellent record in delivering customer services makes him the right choice for Transport for Wales as it begins to change the perception and experience of public transport in Wales.”
Mr Waddington recently stood down from his highly successful position of Chief Executive of the privately owned Welsh brewer and pub company, SA Brain.
Born and educated in Swansea, he completed an Economics and Accounting degree at Reading University. Joining SA Brains in 2001, he oversaw an increase in investment in the pub estate and an expansion of the drinks distribution business through acquisition across Wales. In 2011, Brains acquired the Coffee#1 chain of high street coffee stores which it has now expanded to nearly 100 stores through new locations across Wales and the West of England. During his time at Brains, it has grown to over 200 pubs and employs over 2500 people.
Chair of the CBI for Wales during 2010 and 2011, Scott was also Wales Commissioner to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills for five years from April 2012 and chaired the Wales Employment and Skills Board (WESB).
Currently Chair of the Cardiff Business Club, Scott has also sat on various hospitality industry bodies including the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB).
In his role as Chair for Transport for Wales, Scott will be responsible for leadership of the board and ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its role. He will be the link between the TfW Board and the Welsh Government, and will be responsible for setting the board’s agenda.
Transport Minister Ken Skates said:
“I congratulate Scott on his successful application and I’m delighted to welcome him to the post of Chair for Transport for Wales. He brings with him a wealth of experience and I have no doubt he work to ensure that the needs of customers are central to everything which Transport for Wales does.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the unsuccessful applicants who took the time to put themselves forward and invest the time and effort to apply and be considered. The competition was rigorous, and the calibre of candidates was strong. We are fortunate to be able to reach out to such talent in Wales.”
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