07 June 2023

S4C, the Welsh-language broadcaster, has strengthened its in-house communications and marketing department, appointing Manon Edwards Ahir as Director of Communications and Marketing to head up a team that also includes recently appointed Head of Marketing Rebecca Griffiths and Communications Lead, Gwyddno Dafydd.

Manon has worked in journalism and communications for over twenty-five years. She was most recently Head of Planning and External Affairs at Amgueddfa Cymru, the National Museum of Wales after spending a period as Head of News, Media, and Digital at Wales' seat of democracy, overseeing the communications and rebrand of the National Assembly for Wales as it evolved to Senedd Cymru, the Welsh Parliament. Previously she co-owned and was Managing Director at the award-winning bilingual communications agency, Mela Media, representing a wide roster of private and public sector clients with a specialism in the media and broadcast sector. Manon is also a Non-Executive Director with Welsh National Opera. Manon also enjoyed a long career as a journalist and series producer at the BBC working in foreign affairs and newsgathering, specialising in politics. She spearheaded the BBC's live election coverage in Wales during the first decade post devolution and is a BAFTA Cymru award winner. Manon has also worked for Cardiff University as a Journalism and Communications Lecturer at the School of Journalism, Media and Culture.

The new director is supported by Gwyddno Dafydd – who joins S4C from the Welsh Government where he was Senior Press Officer for First Minister, Mark Drakeford. Prior to this, Gwyddno worked as a journalist for BBC Wales for 17 years. A new Communications Officer, Heledd ap Gwynfor – who joins from Mentrau Iaith Cymru, the national organisation that supports local Welsh language initiatives – completes the team joining existing communications officers Sara Maredudd Jones and Heledd Williams.

As the new Head of Marketing, Rebecca Griffiths will support Manon Edwards Ahir in boosting S4C's marketing push at home and globally.

Rebecca started her career with Tinopolis before going on to high-profile roles with the Office of the Children's Commissioner for Wales, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Hywel Dda University Health Board. Under her leadership the Marketing Unit at University of Wales Trinity Saint David won the Best In-House Team of the Year at the European Public Affairs Awards in Brussels.

Other new appointments include Ryan Chappell being appointed to the role of Diversity, Sustainability and Social Purpose Lead.

Ryan worked as a Deputy Head Teacher in the Primary Sector where his promotion of diversity and inclusion was a strong feature of his leadership and the school's ethos. Ryan has also worked closely with BAME Ed Cymru to develop his understanding of diversity and inclusion.

S4C Chief Executive Sian Doyle said:

"I'm absolutely delighted that we've secured such a strong in-house team to lead our communications and marketing strategy as we as we continue our transformation programme in S4C.

"I know that the team will work tirelessly to promote the channel's great content to audiences across Wales, the UK and further afield."

New Director of Communications and Marketing, Manon Edwards Ahir said;

"I'm very excited to be heading up an impressive team of communicators and marketeers who can engage with all our audiences, wherever they are, and however they might want to access the fantastically diverse content S4C has to offer.

"I can't wait to join S4C as it enters a new chapter."