Byw'n Iach appoints new Managing Director

Byw'n Iach have appointed a new Managing Director who will lead the network of leisure, health and fitness facilities in Gwynedd forward to the next chapter.

After a thorough recruitment process, Trystan Pritchard has been selected to be the new Managing Director, succeeding Amanda Davies who is stepping down after eight years at the helm of the county's leisure services.

Byw'n Iach run the 11 leisure centres in the county of Gwynedd, employing more than 250 staff members locally and providing a range of activities in order to improve the health, well-being and fitness of everyone of all ages and abilities. Byw'n Iach is a company that is under the ownership of Cyngor Gwynedd.

Originally from Bethesda, Trystan Pritchard has a breadth of experience from the public sector and third sector in Wales. In the past, he has worked in senior management roles within the Health and Local Government sectors. His fields of expertise include engagement, strategic management, leadership and training.

Trystan is a member of the Board of Social Care Wales and the Lottery’s National Committee and is the chair of Mantell Gwynedd, the county's volunteering council.  He has also served as the Chair of the Citizens Advice Bureau Wales' Committee. His interests include football, rugby, being in the mountains and spending time with his family.

Trystan Pritchard said: “I'm really looking forward to joining the Byw'n Iach team. This is a very important role to help improve the health and well-being of the people of Gwynedd. There is huge potential to build on the excellent work that is already happening and to continue to develop our facilities across the county.

“Public services are facing obvious challenges, and I hope to be able to work with the team and all of our partners to make a positive difference to the lives of local people.”

Trystan has joined the company during March and will work alongside Amanda Davies for the first weeks in order to get acquainted with the company’s work.

Amanda Davies was the company's first Managing Director. She led Byw'n Iach as it transferred from being one of Cyngor Gwynedd's services and along the journey to establishing a company limited by guarantee in 2019.

Amanda said: “It has been a huge privilege to be a part of the team that established Byw'n Iach. I've had the pleasure of working with a special group of directors and staff to provide firm foundations for the company.

“Although we've had to face major challenges during the pandemic years, we have been able to move on from that to modernise services and facilities.

“Byw'n Iach services are close to the hearts of many Gwynedd residents, and I'm confident that Trystan will continue to build on the foundations put in place in order to bring the health and well-being benefits to our communities across the county.”

The Chair of Byw’n Iach, Councillor Beth Lawton, said: “I'm very pleased that the Company has attracted such a special individual to this key post. Trystan brings a wealth of different experiences to the role, and I congratulate him on his appointment. I look forward to working alongside him to deliver and exceed the ambitious goals we have set for Byw'n Iach for the future.

“I also pay tribute to Amanda as she steps down. I offer my sincerest thanks to her for her work and dedication and I wish her all the best for the future.”