Careers Wales appoints new chief executive

Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive of Careers Wales

Careers Wales has announced the appointment of Nikki Lawrence as chief executive, after spending the past year in the post of interim chief executive when Graham Bowd stood down last summer.

A qualified accountant (ACMA) with more than twenty years’ experience in senior positions in both the public and private sectors, Nikki worked in the NHS, manufacturing and construction industries before joining Careers Wales.

She joined Careers Wales in 2004 as finance and corporate services manager for Careers Wales in the north west and has since managed a full range of corporate functions including finance, HR, IT, quality and planning.

When Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa (CCDG) was formed, she was appointed head of finance, before progressing to director of resources and, more recently, to director of corporate services.

Following the departure of Graham Bowd, Nikki stepped into the role of interim chief executive and following a recruitment process has been appointed to take on the position on a permanent basis.

Nikki lives in north Wales and is a keen fell runner who has taken part in both mountain and road marathons.

Speaking on her appointment, Nikki said: “Since joining the organisation more than 15 years ago, Careers Wales has undergone significant changes. Through working in a range of leadership roles across the company during these times, I’ve gained valuable first-hand insight into the business at key points in its development.

“My initial priority is ensuring a smooth transition to this role, and I look forward to working constructively with stakeholders and staff to help guide the service through the next chapter.

“The upcoming major transformation agenda will necessitate strong leadership across the organisation, and I am looking forward to helping prepare Wales’ national careers service for the road ahead.”

Debra Williams, Chair of Careers Wales commented “Nikki has an incredible depth of knowledge and understanding of our organisation and a very clear vision for our future.

“She has our ethos at the heart and soul of everything she does and has mapped out a comprehensive strategy to take us into our next phase of growth.

“We are looking forward to her guiding Careers Wales along the road ahead and into the future.”