Martin Pollard – formerly Chief Executive of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, now Chief Executive at the Learned Society of Wales – has been named a finalist in this year’s Leading Wales Awards.

The 2018 Leading Wales Awards (Wales’ long-established and only dedicated leadership awards) in association with The Institute of Leadership and Management have announced this year’s short list and held judging interviews on Thursday 12^th July for the shortlisted candidates in each category.

The award winning alumni include Laura Tenison MBE, Jo Jo Maman Bébé, Mario Kreft MBE, CEO of Pendine Park Care Homes, Kelly Davies, Managing Director of Vi-Ability, and Keith Towler, former Children’s Commissioner and Chair of CWYVS.

This year’s shortlist can be found at https://leadingwalesawards.wales/2018-leading-wales-awards-finalists/

Martin has been nominated in the Leadership in the Voluntary & Not For Profit Sector category for his leadership role at the WCIA and is one of four finalists in the category.

Barbara Chidgey, Chair of the Leading Wales Awards, said: “If ever there was a time for leadership that transforms all that we do – that time is definitely now as we seek to transform the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales for our future generations and truly build the Wales We Want. For this reason, the 2018 Leading Wales Awards sought nominees whose leadership is inspirational and making a real difference in Wales, contributing to transforming their community, business, or organisation.

“The shortlist reflects a very high standard and diverse range of leaders working in all sectors across Wales.

“On behalf of the Leading Wales Awards Consortium I would like to thank everyone who worked hard to nominate and share such fantastic examples of “Leaders in Wales”. It’s set to be another very exciting year for Wales’ only leadership awards.”

Martin Pollard said: “I’m honoured to be shortlisted for the Leading Wales Awards – it’s a wonderful way to mark the transition to my new leadership role at the Learned Society. I gained a huge amount from my years at the WCIA, and I’m pleased to have been able to contribute to Wales’ international profile. I now look forward to shaping the strategy of another key institution in Wales.”

The winners will be announced at the lunchtime awards ceremony, which will take place at Hilton Cardiff on Thursday 27^th September. Tickets are available at a cost of £57.50. Please reserve your place now by emailing leadingwalesawards@learningpathways.info

For more information regarding the Leading Wales Awards, please contact Alex McArthur on 0117 2140471 or email alex@mcarthur-davies.co.uk.