We’re excited to introduce you to the newest members of our Board: Leanne Edwards, Ben Allwright, Peter Max, and Andy Rafferty.
But first, what do the Board do?
The Board and its committees have ultimate authority and accountability for the running of the organisation for the benefit of our customers, communities and colleagues.
They meet regularly to discuss our strategy, our performance, and our financial position, providing support and constructive challenge to the leadership team.
These exciting appointments bring fresh perspectives and experience to our leadership team to help us meet future challenges.
A quick introduction to:
Leanne Edwards
Leanne is an accomplished and dedicated procurement professional with sixteen years of experience across defence, nuclear, heavy manufacturing, health, social housing, oil and gas. Previously, Leanne served as Vice-Chair of the South Wales CIPS Branch Committee and a CIPS Examiner.
She is also the author of one of the CIPS official course books – Supplier Relationships Management (Level 4) – and has authored other publications on procurement. Currently, she is developing a procurement strategy for a nuclear facility, having previously held a senior sourcing and contract lifecycle role at Tata Steel.
Leanne enjoys relaxing and spending time with her young family outside of work.
Ben Allwright
Bringing over 30 years of experience in international IT markets, Ben joined our board in April 2025. He is currently the founding director and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Fibre Ltd (Ogi) here in Wales, leading the charge to bring full fibre connectivity to homes and businesses across South Wales – experience directly relevant to our digital ambitions.
Prior to Ogi, Ben was the Global Vice President of Teleste, managing diverse teams and holding P&L responsibility for offices across Europe. His contributions to the tech field were recognised twice in 2024 with an INCA Industry Outstanding Contribution award and the IoD Wales Start-up Director of the Year award.
In his spare time, Ben’s interests include classic car restoration and racing, flying, football, badminton, and travelling.
Peter Max
Peter brings significant financial acumen and governance experience to our Board. He began his career as a chartered accountant, focusing on public services and charities, before moving into corporate finance and private equity for four years.
Peter currently serves as a Non-Executive Board Member for Life Sciences Hub Wales, where he also chairs their Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. Additionally, he volunteers his expertise on two Welsh advisory boards: Care Inspectorate Wales and Marie Curie. Peter joined us as a Board Member and Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee in April 2025.
Away from his professional duties, Peter enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, and padel, walking his dogs, and trying to keep pace with his teenagers in the gym.
Andy Rafferty
Andy is an accomplished digital and technology executive with extensive board and executive-level management experience. He joined our board in April 2025.
Most recently, Andy spent six years as the Executive Director of Technology and Business Improvement for Weaver Vale Housing Trust, where he developed a strategic approach to IT and delivered significant change – bringing direct housing sector technology leadership experience to our
board. He is currently the Chair of Risk and Audit and a Non-Executive Director for The Big Life Group, a charity fighting inequality. Before this, Andy held various senior IT roles at Booths Supermarkets.
In his downtime, Andy volunteers at a community pop-up cinema, walks his increasingly grumpy dog, and thinks of creative excuses to avoid the gym.
Find out more about our board members