Five questions with Catrin Thomas, GlobalWelsh board member

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your connection to Wales...

I'm Catrin Thomas and I'm a senior corporate affairs professional with more than 20 years’ international experience in strategic communications, integrated marketing, content and analyst relations across the financial services, technology, media and non-profit sectors.

I'm currently Director Brand, Communications and Advocacy at Laudes Foundation and based in London. I joined the new Laudes Foundation, which has a mission to address the dual crises of climate breakdown and deepening inequality in 2020.

I've previously worked at the UK Government-backed Green Finance Institute, which sits at the nexus of the public and private sectors, convening and leading sectoral coalitions of global experts and practitioners to develop and launch portfolios of scalable financial solutions and mechanisms that accelerate the global transition to a sustainable, net-zero carbon economy that is also climate resilient.

Prior to this, I was head of corporate communications at Bloomberg L.P. where I established the communications strategy and infrastructure to support the organisation’s core financial products and wider product portfolio, enterprise businesses, news, media and research arms and its philanthropic endeavours across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. I've also previously held senior global communications roles at CNN International and BBC World News.

I was raised in the Vale of Glamorgan, I'm proud to be a fluent Welsh speaker and sit on the board of GlobalWelsh. I read economics at Swansea University and have a post-graduate diploma in public and media relations from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture.

What is your favourite memory of Wales?

Spending a glorious month in France in 2016 surrounded by old friends and family after Wales qualified for its first major tournament in 57 years. Wins against Slovakia, Russia, Northern Ireland and the then world number two side, Belgium, had us all dreaming of an unlikely victory in France during the UEFA Euro Championships in 2016. Together. Stronger.

Three words to describe Wales…. 

Small. But. Mighty.

What role can the diaspora play in shaping Wales’ future?

The diaspora plays an important role in the economic development of Wales. It promotes trade and foreign direct investment, creates businesses and spurs entrepreneurship, and transfers knowledge and skills. The GlobalWelsh Connect platform gives the diaspora an opportunity to find areas of mutual interest for practical collaboration.

What is Wales’ biggest challenge? 

Together with the rest of the world, Wales is facing the dual crises of climate breakdown and deepening inequality. Just as has happened with the pandemic, these issues also demand an ambitious, global response. Cross-sector collaboration, ingenuity and creativity are required to drive systems change and deliver outcomes to benefit our environment, society and business.

Not many people know that Wales is…

The first nation to appoint a future generations commissioner with statutory powers. Sophie Howe was appointed to the role in 2016 and represents the future voices of Wales. And there’s no shortage of issues to champion with a mandate to deliver social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being for current and future generations.

Connect with Catrin >>

Join Catrin and take part in our #WonderfulWelshWomen campaign throughout March across social media and by sharing your Wonderful Welsh Story and encouraging others to share theirs! Let's shine a light on the stories and achievements of Welsh women in Wales and around the world!