News
Medr welcomes two new members of its senior team
04 Mar 2026
Medr has announced two significant additions to its senior leadership team, following a competitive recruitment process supported by Goodson Thomas.
Francesca Hill was appointed Chief Operating Officer in December 2025. Fran brings 10 years of experience in people, culture and transformational change, most recently leading cultural and governance reform in the fire and rescue services on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Fran is a qualified lawyer, and played a foundational role in establishing Medr, leading on staff transfer and setting up governance arrangements.
Bethan Evans took up the role of Executive Director for Regulation and Analysis in February 2026.
Bethan joins Medr from KPMG, where she spent 12 years in public sector consulting, advising clients in highly regulated industries such as water, healthcare, transport, justice and defence. She is a Chartered Accountant, and previously served as Head of Wales for Ofwat and Wales Officer for the Electoral Commission.
Fran will oversee the Finance, Digital and Information Directorates, as well as the People and Culture, and Board Secretariat and Corporate Planning teams.
Bethan will be responsible for Medr’s regulatory and analytical functions, ensuring a proportionate and risk-based approach to monitoring compliance, and providing a strong evidence base for future planning and decision-making.
Fran said:
“I am thrilled to have joined Medr as Chief Operating Officer. I passionately believe education matters and I relish working with the talented team at Medr to build on what’s been achieved since it became operational in August 2024. At a time when the education sector faces unprecedented challenges, I am committed to ensuring that Medr plays a pivotal role in helping to improve learner experience and outcomes and widen participation in tertiary education, ultimately achieving the ambitions in its strategic plan.”
Bethan said:
“I am delighted to have joined Medr and am looking forward to building strong relationships across the sector, based on mutual respect and trust. I am determined to deliver a proportionate and risk-based regulatory approach that enables the provision of excellent learner pathways in Wales. By working collaboratively and iteratively, I believe we have a unique opportunity at Medr to effect meaningful change for the benefit of learners, providers and the people of Wales.”
James Owen, Chief Executive of Medr said:
“I am delighted to welcome Fran and Bethan to Medr. It was fantastic to attract such significant interest and talent in these crucial leadership roles as we continue to strengthen our team to deliver our strategic plan for the tertiary education and research sector.
“Fran will bring a wealth of experience to the role and always approaches her work with energy, determination and good humour.
“Bethan combines deep analytical skills with a passion for empowering others to fulfil their potential and building effective teams.
“Their leadership and expertise will be crucial in supporting our foundation aim to establish Medr as a highly effective organisation and trusted regulator.”
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