Medr appoints James Owen as first permanent Chief Executive

Medr, the body responsible for funding and overseeing tertiary education and research in Wales has today announced the appointment of James Owen as its new Chief Executive.

James will replace outgoing interim CEO Simon Pirotte, having previously been Chief Operating Officer at Medr since its inception last year.

Announcing the appointment, Medr Chair Professor Dame Julie Lydon said: “I am very pleased indeed to announce this appointment. James has excelled alongside Simon in establishing Medr and I look forward to working with him to ensure his high standards and expertise translate to Medr delivering on its ambitions to support and encourage a thriving tertiary education sector in Wales.”

Vikki Howells, Minister for Further and Higher Education said: “I welcome the appointment of Medr’s first permanent CEO. Mr Owen was successful in what I understand was a very strong field and I look forward to continuing to work with him and the wider Medr team as we deliver on our shared ambitions for learners across Wales. I also want to thank Simon Pirotte for his work as interim CEO in helping to establish Medr.”

James Owen, who will start his new role over the coming weeks, added: “I’m delighted to be appointed as CEO of Medr. I’m only too aware of the challenges and opportunities that face the sector in Wales and look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure we use the full breadth of Medr’s expertise and levers to deliver a tertiary education and research sector that is resilient and prosperous for our learners, our institutions and for Wales.”

Notes

James comes with a wealth of experience, most recently in his role as Chief Operating Officer of Medr and previously across a number of leadership roles at the heart of both Welsh and UK Government. A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, James has a proven record for getting the most from people and supporting them and those around them to reach their potential.

Mr Pirotte, who was initially appointed by Welsh Government Ministers in 2023 on a fixed term role until September, will continue in his interim role until James formally begins Chief Executive duties.