Iestyn joins the senior leadership team at NFU Cymru and will work with the union’s County Advisers and Group Secretaries to oversee the membership offer including membership performance, connection and communications strategy across the organisation.
Iestyn, who is currently NFU Cymru’s County Adviser for Anglesey, Mid Gwynedd and Meirionnydd, will take over the role from Kevin Owen, who has taken up a new role within the NFU as Head of Network and Subscriptions.
About Iestyn
Iestyn is a past student of the Welsh Agricultural College in Aberystwyth and has a strong background and experience of both lowland and upland farming. Before joining NFU Cymru, he worked with the Economy and Community Department at Gwynedd Council as a Regeneration Officer. Prior to this, Iestyn worked as a YFC organiser in Anglesey before starting an 11-year stint providing business support to farming families. This role was initially through the CWYSI programme with economic development company, Menter a Busnes. He later managed the Farming Connect local facilitator team before becoming the company’s Director of Operations.
Recruitment for the North West County Adviser role will take place shortly, however in the meantime Iestyn will continue looking after the needs of members on Anglesey, Mid Gwynedd and Meirionnydd alongside his new role as Head of Operations.
Strong and visible network
Speaking about his appointment Iestyn said: “Welsh farming contributes hugely towards the economic, environmental, and social wellbeing of Wales, as we once again embark on a significant period of change for the industry, these are key messages that need to be heard. As an organisation we have a responsibility to ensure that our members are well informed and engaged with policy delivery across a wide range of areas that affect their business. Central to this is ensuring that we have a strong and visible network for members to access, offering the best representation both locally and nationally through our established Group Secretary and County Adviser Network.”
NFU Cymru Director John Mercer said: “I would like to congratulate Iestyn on his appointment as our Head of Operations. This is a vital role within NFU Cymru and I have no doubt that Iestyn will hit the ground running and do a fantastic job for our members throughout Wales. We continue to grow as an organisation and have seen sustained membership growth in recent years and so Iestyn’s role will be crucial in ensuring that our offer remains relevant and we continue to provide the best possible offering for our membership. I must also wish Kevin Owen good luck in his new role and wish him all the best for the future.”