Matthew Williams has been appointed Head of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Cymru. He took up that position earlier in May.
Mr Williams arrives with CPT Cymru from the Welsh Sports Association, where he served as Head of Policy and Advocacy from 2020. That saw him lead on policy development, strategy, stakeholder engagement, and communications.
He has also worked as a senior policy advisor to a Member of the Senedd, and as a policy advisor at the Federation of Small Businesses. He joins CPT Cymru as the Welsh Government moves to a minority Plaid Cymru administration following elections at the start of May.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Williams says: “I am delighted to take up this role at such an important moment for passenger transport in Wales.
“Having worked across a number of sectors navigating significant political, policy and economic change, I am looking forward to getting under the skin of the industry quickly and working closely with members, government and partners across Wales.”
Noting how the incoming Welsh Government “faces both long-term structural challenges and immediate pressures,” Mr Williams observes that rollout of bus franchising “represents a major opportunity for Wales, but… will require careful and collaborative delivery.”
He continues: “At the same time, rising fuel costs linked to instability in the Middle East are creating real pressures for operators. My priority will be to secure early wins for members while helping to build a constructive, long-term relationship between the industry, government, and its agencies.”
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler has highlighted Mr Williams’ background in policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement as making him well suited to the position with CPT Cymru as it works with a new Welsh Government on the future of public transport in the country.
“He brings a clear understanding of the Welsh policy landscape, a collaborative approach, and a real enthusiasm for the role. We are delighted to welcome him to CPT and look forward to working with him to champion the interests of operators and passengers across Wales.”
