BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY PASSION COMBINE IN PORT AUTHORITY’S LATEST BOARD MEMBER

A leading businesswoman with a long track record in encouraging companies to give back to the communities in which they operate has become Milford Haven Port Authority’s newest Board member.

In a 31-year career with Centrica, Janet Reed, formerly National Manager Wales and Head of Sales UK, played a lead role in setting up the National Sales Office in Cardiff, and was responsible for a staff of 2,700.

She was awarded the OBE in 2004 for services to economic development in Wales, and throughout her career has devoted considerable energy to voluntary roles, encouraging business leaders to involve themselves in the communities in which they are based.

She has been a board member of Business in the Community, part of the Leadership Group for the Princes Trust in Wales, Chair of the CBI in Wales and a Director of the WDA. Her current commitments include acting as a Trustee of the Welsh Scout Council and a member of the BIG Lottery Country Committee for Wales.

Janet lives in Bridgend, but hails from Pembrokeshire. She said she was keen to make a contribution to the region where she was born and brought up, and where she still has family.

“My time on the WDA Board and my involvement with the CBI has given me an insight into the needs of business, ranging from small companies to multinationals, and my work with the voluntary sector has shown me what communities need to thrive,” she said.

“I’m looking to bring both types of experience to bear to help improve the success of the Port, which in turn will increase the prosperity and job opportunities for the communities of Pembrokeshire.”

Janet’s appointment follows that of the Port Authority’s new chairman, David Benson, who took up his duties earlier this summer. He said he was delighted to welcome her onto the Board.

“Janet will bring with her invaluable commercial experience and an understanding of the energy sector which is so important to the future of the port, and of strategic significance to the economy of Wales. Her enthusiasm for strong voluntary links between business and the community will be of great assistance in helping the Port fulfil its obligations to its stakeholders.”