By Hannah Blackwell

New Commonwealth Games Wales chief executive Rebecca Edwards-Symmons says she is keen to build on the legacy of predecessor Chris Jenkins.

Edwards-Symmons – a former head of commercial at Swansea City – has been appointed chief executive following the retirement of Chris Jenkins after Birmingham 2022.

Jenkins had been CGW chief executive for 17 years, while several current Board members’ terms are due to end during the build up to the next Games in Victoria, Australia, in 2026.

“I can’t wait to lead our country into a very exciting cycle planning for a Commonwealth Youth Games next summer and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia,” Edwards-Symmons said.

“I am very fortunate to have a highly skilled Board and fantastic staff to support me and I am really look forward to building on Chris’s amazing tenure.

CGW chair Helen Phillips said: “The Board are delighted to welcome Rebecca to join Commonwealth Games Wales at such a pivotal time for the organisation,”

“As we embark on creating a new strategy that will continue to focus on giving our athletes, support teams and national governing bodies the best opportunities and experiences at a Commonwealth Games.

“We also intend to look outwardly to see how we can extend our commercial reach, our position as a major player of sport in Wales, the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.”