Natural Resources Wales CEO presented as Fellow

Dr Neil Glasser (right) with Dr Emyr Roberts.

Dr Neil Glasser (right) with Dr Emyr Roberts.

11 July 2013

The Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales, Dr Emyr Roberts, has been presented as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University today, Thursday 11 July.

Originally from Anglesey, Dr Roberts obtained his first degree at Reading University before completing his PhD at Aberystwyth University. He was presented by Professor Neil Glasser, Director of the Institute of Geography, History and Politics.

Dr Roberts joined the Welsh Office in 1991. Following posts in health and culture, he was promoted to the Senior Civil Service and became Chief Executive of the Welsh European Funding Office in 1997.

From 2005 until 2012 he held various posts within Welsh Assembly Government and latterly the Welsh Government.

Since November 2012, he has been in the post of the first Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales.

Professor Neil Glasser presentation of Dr Emyr Roberts.

It is with great pleasure that I present to you Dr Emyr Roberts.

Dr Emyr Roberts is the Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales.

Natural Resources Wales is the newest public body in Wales. It came into existence on the First of April this year. Natural Resources Wales brings together the work of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales in a single body responsible for  how we manage, use and enjoy Wales’ natural resources. Their purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, both now and in the future.

Emyr was born in Benllech, Anglesey, and obtained his first degree at Reading University and a PhD at the then University of Wales, Aberystwyth (now of course Aberystwyth University). 

Emyr is a public servant of considerable standing. After a career with the National Farmers’ Union, he joined the Welsh Office in 1991.  Following posts in health and culture, Emyr was promoted to the Senior Civil Service in 1997.  In 2003 he became Chief Executive of the Welsh European Funding Office.  Emyr was appointed as Director of the Department for Social Justice and Regeneration, in the Welsh Assembly Government in September 2005.

He later became the Director of the Department for Social Justice and Local Government in July 2007, and then the Director of General, Public Services and Local Government Delivery in March 2009.  His most recent appointment in the Welsh Government was that of Director General of the Department for Education and Skills– a post he held from October 2010 until his appointment as Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales.  

He has been Chief Executive of the new organisation since 1 November 2012, and oversaw the birth of Natural Resources Wales from its parent organisations.

Emyr is married with two children and lives in Cardiff.

And so it is with great pleasure that I present to you Dr Emyr Roberts.

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