Contributors: Section 3
Dr John Graystone
Dr John Graystone was appointed Chief Executive of fforwm (renamed ColegauCymru/Colleges Wales in November 2009) in July 2001, representing all further education (FE) colleges and FE institutions in Wales. ColegCymru is a member-led educational charity and a company limited by guarantee that works closely with the National Assembly Government for Wales and other key bodies on a range of policy matters.
John has taught in schools and in further and higher education. He was a researcher for the Health Education Council and later a research associate at the University of Bristol. He spent six and a half years in education policy development at the Trades Union Congress and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities. He specialised in policy on post-16 education and training.
Katy Chamberlain
Katy Chamberlain is a chartered accountant and Masters Graduate of Leeds and Reading Universities, Katy joined Chwarae Teg as Chief Executive in April 2008.
Prior to Chwarae Teg Katy’s accountancy career with international accountancy advisory firm KPMG spanned over 20 years, where she led teams delivering audit, grants advisory and corporate finance services to a wide variety of businesses in Wales and across the UK, ranging from major subsidiaries of international groups to owner-managed indigenous businesses.
During seven years as a director with KPMG, Katy successfully pioneered flexible working in a senior role. An experienced leader and manager, Katy is committed to people development and motivation and had a key role in KPMG, Cardiff achieving IiP status. In 2000 Katy’s achievements were acknowledged when she became winner of the Welsh Woman of the Year Management Achievement Award.
In March 2009, Katy was appointed Deputy President of the South Wales Society of Chartered Accountants. She is also a member of the Board of the Wales Quality Centre and Chair of the South East Wales Women in Management network.
Formerly a member of Chwarae Teg’s Board of Trustees, Katy is committed to using her appointment to consolidate Chwarae Teg’s success in promoting the role of women in the Welsh economy during this exciting time in the organisation’s development.
Frank Holmes
Frank Holmes, Senior Partner at Gambit Corporate Finance started his career as a Chartered Accountant, qualifying with Deloitte. In 1992, he led a management buy-out of Curran Engineering funded by 3I plc, remaining as Chairman until the middle of 1996 when the business was sold.
Since becoming a founder partner in Gambit in 1995, Frank has led a number of significant merger and acquisition transactions in the UK and internationally, including Wales’ largest Management Buy-Out of £110 million and a Greenfield start up funding package of over £100 million for a new generation holiday village, Bluestone. Recent local projects include the new Cardiff City and Scarlets stadia and the Ffos Las race course in Carmarthenshire.
In 2007, Frank was voted Wales Dealmaker of the Year and the practice elected Corporate Finance Firm of the Year. In 2008, Frank was awarded Best Chartered Accountant in Practice by the South Wales Society.
