New CEO appointed for St Davids Diocese

The St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) has announced the appointment of Mr Iwan Thomas as the new Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Thomas joins the diocese from his current role as Chief Executive of Planed, a community-led partnership operating as a social enterprise, Development Trust and charity.

DBF Chair Tim Llewelyn said:” His breadth of experience, commitment to community, and strong record of organisational leadership make him exceptionally well placed to serve the Diocese at this important time.”

Born and raised in Carmarthen, Iwan is a regular worshipper at St Mary’s, Llanllwch, where he plays an active role in its mission and witness. “His deep roots in the region and his commitment to the life of the Church will be a great asset to the diocese,” Mr Llewelyn said.

“With more than 25 years of leadership experience across the public, education, and third sectors in Wales, he brings a strong focus on service, community, and sustainable social impact. He has successfully led organisations through significant transformation, restructuring, and expansion, ensuring financial stability and fostering innovation.”

Iwan joined Planed in 2018, and took charge of an organisation at that point which had considerable challenges. Retaining key personnel and recruiting new experienced staff, Iwan has transformed and grown PLANED, from a limited Pembrokeshire-only focused charity, to a sustainable regional delivery organisation, with greater national profile and influence.

Mr Thomas told Pobl Dewi: “I am very much looking forward to joining the Diocese at this important and promising time, building on the strong foundations already in place and contributing to our shared direction and future success through collaborative working.

“Drawing on the experience I have gained in my current role at PLANED, I am eager to apply the community relationships, local insight, and opportunities I have cultivated to my new position.

“Living and working within the Diocese is a privilege, and I am committed to strengthening, developing, and sustaining the relationships we hold with the communities we serve.”

He will take up his post on 5 May, succeeding Howard Llewellyn, who has held the post since 2018.