GlobalWelsh, the leading independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to building a Welsh diaspora community, today announces an expansion of its Board of Directors with the appointment of placemaking and regional development expert Owen Davies and legal expert Mark Loosemore. The new appointments reflect GlobalWelsh’s accelerating focus on leveraging the global Welsh diaspora for economic and strategic impact back home.
Previously Placemaking Associate at GlobalWelsh, Owen Davies now joins the board bringing with him over 30 years’ experience in placemaking, masterplanning, and regional regeneration. As a Chartered Town Planner and Fellow of the Institute of Place Management, he is recognised as a leading placemaking and regeneration specialist. He has supported regional economic development initiatives and over 80 towns and cities across the UK and previously served on the UK Government’s High Street Task Force Experts Panel and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Ministerial Task Group. He said:
“My career has been dedicated to making towns and cities more liveable and economically viable. Joining the GlobalWelsh board is a fantastic opportunity to translate this experience—especially in placemaking and regeneration—into real economic and social impact for communities across Wales by harnessing the talent of our worldwide network.”
Mark Loosemore is a Partner and Head of Sport at Hugh James, specialising as a corporate/commercial lawyer focused on sport, media, entertainment, hospitality and culture. Recently recognised as a Hall of Fame lawyer for sport by a leading legal publication, Mark has over 30 years’ experience in corporate and commercial deal negotiation, strategic planning, and operational delivery at board level. Mark has also successfully led the growth and sale of two of his own businesses. A long-time GlobalWelsh member and former international tennis player, he is based between Cardiff and London. He said:
“As a supporter of GlobalWelsh since its inception, I have seen first-hand the power of this network and I am a fervent believer in realising its true value. I am thrilled to bring my corporate and commercial expertise, particularly in the sports and media sectors, to the board to help GlobalWelsh scale its mission and deliver greater social and economic value back to Wales.”
As GlobalWelsh’s community continues to grow and with ‘international development’ back on the Welsh Government’s agenda now is the time to acquire strategic expertise that will support the acceleration of the organisation’s international remit. Walter May, Founder & CEO, GlobalWelsh, concludes:
“The expansion of our board marks a pivotal moment for GlobalWelsh as we continue to grow and strengthen our influence globally. The calibre of expertise that Owen and Mark bring, from urban regeneration to international corporate law and business scaling, will be invaluable as we work to unleash the immense potential of our diaspora for a more prosperous Wales.”
