News
Chief Executive Carole-Anne Davies to leave role
Our Chief Executive, Carole-Anne Davies, has decided to step away from her role at the end of this year, and we have begun the search for her successor.
Carole-Anne has led the Design Commission for Wales (DCFW) since it was set up by the Welsh Government in 2003. She will leave her post in December and continue to pursue her other interests, including her role as Chair of Gregynog Trust, which owns and manages Gregynog Hall and its 750-acre estate in mid-Wales and her role as Chair of the Independent Advisory Group of the Welsh School of Architecture.
We are now actively recruiting Carole-Anne’s successor to lead our work with all organisations involved in shaping the countryside, cities, towns and villages of Wales, supporting local authorities and the private sector to deliver long-term value through lasting quality. Our next chief executive will also spearhead our work supporting policy development, research and project delivery across all built environment professions, from urban and landscape design and architecture to planning, civil engineering and construction.
The search is being led by our chair, Ewan Jones, regional Managing Principal at global architecture practice 10 Design, who has worked with DCFW since 2005, including a 10-year term as a Commissioner prior to becoming Chair.
“Carole-Anne has achieved an enormous amount, establishing then leading DCFW as a lean, effective body that works strategically and seamlessly across the built environment,” he said.
“We’re fortunate in Wales to have a national body charged with promoting and supporting best-practice, sustainable design, and DCFW is uniquely placed to convene the many parties involved in creating our places.
“So, as well as a deep understanding of place design and a passion for the difference it makes to people’s lives, we’re looking for someone with the drive, influence and diplomacy to bring our many and varied stakeholders together to make Wales a better place for everyone.”
The role is currently being advertised with a closing date of Monday 27 October 2025 – find out more and apply here.
