Former chief executive of the Welsh Local Government Association, Steve Thomas, has taken up a new role with Glandŵr Cymru - the Canal & River Trust in Wales.
Mr Thomas, who stood down from the WLGA last year after 14 years, has been appointed chair of the trust's advisory board.
Mr Thomas said: “This is an exciting role and I am pleased to be taking it up at such an important time for Glandŵr Cymru.
"Wales’ canals are fantastic places and include the World Heritage site on the Llangollen with the amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the unsurpassed Monmouth & Brecon Canal which I often walk along, and the exciting restoration projects on the Swansea and Montgomery canals.
" As an accessible and free-to-use outdoor blue-green space, Wales’s waterways have an important role to play in bringing health and wellbeing for local people and visitors alike, and my role will be to promote their great potential and ensure they are recognised and supported.”
Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said: “I am delighted that Steve is joining Glandŵr Cymru.
"Steve’s in-depth understanding of the major political, social and economic opportunities and challenges across Wales, and his valuable contacts within both the government and voluntary sector will make a huge contribution to our work in Wales.
"His experience will stand the trust in good stead as we continue to develop our strategic plans for the waterways in Wales, and bring the benefits of being by the water to the communities they run through, the large number of visitors who come to enjoy them, as well as to boaters and other users.”
